Specavers not vision express (Specsavers Opticians)

Member Name: Dee0104

Product:	Specsavers Opticians
Date:	13/05/09 (120 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: seem to have customers best interests at heart

Disadvantages: not open late in my area

I have been attending specsavers now for 9 years for my eye tests, my glasses and my contact lenses. I have never been disappointed with the service.
I have worn glasses since the age of 9 but participated in many sports at school which often resulted in my glasses been broken. So sick of looking like Jack Duckworth from Corra, I asked my mam to try contact lenses. I went to my local optician who recommended I tried the hard gas permeable lenses (which i since learnt I should have had the softer ones due to the sports I was doing at the time). Hwever these were more expensive, so they were bound to sell me these. After losing 2 sets I decided to go to specsavers, who not only tested my eyesight, but my eye health also.

They recommended a softer less permanent lens so I opted for the monthly lenses (which you take out overnight, put in solution, but throw away after a month).

I had these for many years until my eyes started to stream whenever I put them in and my sight seemed to have deterioratd in one side overnight. I could not make it to specsavers as they don't open after 5pm where I live so I visited vision express as they could make me new glasses in an hour, and asked them to check my eyes. I gave them my old prescription for comparison.

They checked me out and suggested some new glasses. I chose some (I just wanted to see). My plan was to get some glasses quickly from them so I could drive safely and then call at specsavers at the weekend to change the prescription for my lenses!

As they started putting together my new glasses, and taking over £200 for doing so, I asked what the difference was in my eyesight, to which they replied 'NONE'. So I then queried what difference the new glasses would make in comparison to my current ones. Again the answer was 'none'......So why was I buying them???

I asked for my money back which they were reluctant to do as they had started to put these glasses together. Luckily they only had two lenses that were suitable for my prescription and they manged to break one - leaving them unable to make my glasses!!! Refund had to be given.

After a painful week I went to specsavers who referred me to an eye infirmary, who explained my eyesight was infact the same but the blurry image I was getting was due to a virus that affects the eye and was the result of dead cells on the eye surface. I did not need new contact lenses or glasses, but treatment for the condition.

The infirmary recommended I start using the daily lenses where I wear them during the day, and then throw them away.

I am grateful that specsavers, unlike vision express, recognised the health problems I had with my eye, and did not try to cash in on my misfortune and I can trust them to act on any problems that they find in the future.

As for the overall service that specsavers offer, I have regular eye tests that are reasonably priced, no more than £20 the last time I visited. Because I wear their contact lenses, I also have free eye health checks which are useful to me (from what I said before).

They have a wide range of glasses, which suits all styles and budgets. Rather than searching the shelves for a nice pair that are within your price range, they ae placed into sections, so youcan either go to your style choice (ie. designer) or visit a section which is designated to a certain budget.

They often have offers on like two pairs for the price of one.

Personally, I dont wear my glasses frequently so purchasing two pairs would not be very useful. However, I have my contact lenses delivered to my door every 3 months, and takin up this service gives me the option of half price glasses - thumbs up.

The staff are very helpful without been forceful. The last time I went, my eyesight had not changed. I explained that I wore my glasses infrequently, and I would rather keep the ones I had for now. I was put under no pressure to purchase any.

I find when I ring for an appointment, I am able to be given one within a few days and the staff seem very organised when i get there.

Summary: Great serice