Choose an optician that is right for you

Don’t book your eye test until you’ve read what we have to say.

For most of us, an eye test is usually an item on the to-do list that we’ve been meaning to get round to. Or maybe you’ve broken or lost your spectacle and need a quick replacement. Don’t rush a costly pair of spectacles.

See our 7 tips below to help you find the opticians that is right for you.

Recommendations

A great place to start is by asking family and friends for recommendations. If you struggle with this then look online, read the reviews, visit the website, and get an idea of the practice, products, and the team. Try not getting sucked into the FREE offers. Like most things, businesses can’t afford to give-aways things for FREE so watch out for the catch.

Experience & Expertise

As you can imagine, the cost of seeing a newly qualified practitioner compared to a 20-year industry-experienced senior optometrist will be very different. With years of continuous training and development, practitioners become refined at managing eye problems and patient expectations. Find out about the team and whether they are genuinely passionate about eye health.

Time Allocated

The amount of time allocated to your appointment is a good indicator of the professional fees charged, Typically NHS sight tests are around 15-20 minutes long and private eye examination last between 40-60 minutes. If you have a history of eye problems, multiple new symptoms, or a complex prescription requirement, then you may want to opt for a longer appointment.

Technology

Innovative and forward-thinking practice will invest in new technology to assist them in making the best decisions about your eye health. This equipment is very costly, and a small fee is usually chargeable. Ask about digital refracting like Rexxam (Japan), Optomap retinal screening and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Spectacle Lens Quality

As opposed to frames, deciding on your spectacle lenses can be difficult. Branded lenses make that decision process much easier based on the company heritage, lens features and product warranties. Premium lens brands like Essilor, Varilux and Zeiss give you the assurance that you are getting the best value, Be wary of white-label products being sold as premium, bespoke or tailor-made lenses.

INDEPENDENT EYEWEAR BRANDS

After years of wearing spectacles, your taste in eyewear matures and you find yourself steering away from mainstream brands. Creativity and innovation lie in independent eyewear brands, Theo and LA Eyeworks are good examples of inspirational eyewear brands. High quality eyewear will not only last longer but also perform better. Save the planet by not purchasing disposable glasses.

Small Businesses

Support your local small people. These experts are very passionate and knowledgeable about their sector and the products they work with. Boost your local economy and support UK tax paying businesses. UK Tax paying businesses support the NHS, welfare, state pensions and education to name a few sectors. Look out for large chains that have tax saving head offices in Guernsey like Islands.