Vari focals and Desk Tops

[Aerodyne]

Odd that, David. I had to wait for more than a fortnight for my glasses, as did my wife and daughter... ! ... And they charged me ...
I'm being silly now, so must stop.
-Tony

[Yorkie]

Odd that, David. I had to wait for more than a fortnight for my glasses, as did my wife and daughter... ! ... And they charged me ...
I'm being silly now, so must stop.
-Tony

You could perhaps have had freebie Eric Morcambe style NHS specs Tony, and maybe NHS 'Dame Edna' specs for the ladies!! Or not!!

[Skywave]

A few further thoughts from me.

I've had a fair number of eye-tests over the years at different opticians and as far as I can recall, the assessments and measurements that were made of my eye-sight and eyes were much the same in all of them. But there is one critical aspect of an eye-test that should be considered: feedback from the patient to the examining opthalmist during the examination. ("Which is more in focus? This one or the one before?" "Can you read out the letters on the bottom line", etc.) So, if for any reason that provided feedback contains errors, then the result will probably be a pair of glasses that 'don't work'. And on account of the critical nature of vari-focals over fixed-length lenses, any such errors are likely to be magnified (whoops! Pun not intended!). Indeed, as I write this, I do recall one occasion when I was fitted with a replacement pair of vari-focals, had paid for them, and walked out into the street: I knew, straight away, that something was amiss. So I went back into the opticians and explained. A new eye-test was arranged, replacement glasses were ordered, subsequently fitted - and then everything 'worked' for my vision, optically speaking. I now recall that at the time of that failed test, I was under a good deal of stress - and I suspect that that contributed to my possible erroneous feedback.

Also I have often found that the actual fit of the glasses to my nose, ears and head is incorrect. I have now learnt to recognise such a defect when I first try them on whilst in the opticians. The usual fix involves adjustments to the frames - often done quickly whilst I wait.

Al.

[Radio Fixer]

A lot is going to come down to the optician doing the test although from memory the equipment used at B. and S.Ss is not the same from memory. That used at S.S seemed easier to make the Yes! No! decisions. At my recent eye test at B. more than one person conducted the tests and I'm not sure I always made the optimum decisions. Was told we take enough samples etc...

My wife, yet to venture down the vari focal path, had two pairs of glasses made at the same S.S as me, (readers and a bifocal) and was happy with them.

Gary

[Skywave]

Gary - I accept your point that the equipment used may not be the same. However, are we (as non-experts in this field) able to state confidentially that different equipment produces different quantifiable results? The only tests we, as consumers, have of this is the end result - and that will include the Q & A between the customer and the optician (etc.) prior to, during and after the tests and subsequent fitment.

As for "Yes / No" decisions, I have found that it is wise to try to be assertive during an eye test: don't let the person taking the test rush or pressurise you into giving yes / no answers. Occasionally I will genuinely reply "I'm not sure. Can you go back to the previous choice, please?" To assist in taking such an attitude, is is helpful to remind oneself that it is you, the customer, who is paying the final bill, and, therefore, the examiner's wages!

Al.

[Radio Fixer]

I'm sure you are right Al, different equipment may give the same result. But I seem to remember that used at SSs was easier to make the decisions... some might say more "production line".

I too am assertive and always ask to go back if I'm not sure.

The hardest tests for us were when we had to take our 90 + year old Mum for the tests. It was all very difficult for her and often I think she didnt get the right prescriptions. It was made worse by the fact that she had cateracts that she refused to have anything done about.

Gary