eye test!

sideshowdave

Ok to the point the last four weeks my eyes have been starting to feel strained (thats the only way i can describe it) so i have thought of getting them tested. Now the thing is i have also been studying alot for exams (reading, internet, writing) normal method! however also over the last four weeks. so i was thinking by going to a regular high street optiction am i basically considered a customer the minute i ask for an eye test, and no matter what the result i will need a pair of glasses. Just another sale in the eyes of the sales rep. Or is there somewhere i can get an eyetest done that will inform me in an "unbaised" manner.

Anyway thanks for reading any advice or suggestions appreciated.
Dave

jlang

You generally pay for the eye test as a separate service, so they shouldn't be recommending glasses for people that don't need them and from what I've seen, they don't do that anywhere.

From your post, it sounds like you feel you may need glasses so you shouldn't be surprised if they agree with you. The optician will show you what your vision is like with and without correction. The decision is always down to you, so don't buy unless you're happy.

Also, there's no requirement to buy glasses from the same place you get your eyes tested. If you paid for the eye test, they have to give you the prescription and you can then get glasses made up anywhere.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

sideshowdave

thanks for replys i have noticed that with friends who have gotten glasses they quickly become very dependent on them, I will take your advice and try resting them and if no change ill get an eye test. Thanks again for the very informing replys.
Dave

Daisies

Just to clarify your eyes do not become dependant on glasses nor does wearing glasses make your vision worse. Imagine this, if your havnt worn spex before you've become used to seeing things a certain way (usually not 100% clear). When you get glasses everything will be a lot clearer and you will start to notice that your vision is a lot sharper than it used to be. However when you take off the glasses you are more aware of the blur. That is purely because you would never have seen how clear things could have been before.
Hope this clears things up because thay are common misconceptions

dragonfly!

hey OP i would recommend getting them tested its not that expensive (look out for offers, try going mid week, ring around places etc) be better to find out once and for all rather then straining your eyes....:)

endplate

If you need glasses you need glasses the optician is obliged ethicially to tell you whether you do or not. This is why they spent many years in college. At the end of the day you have the choice whether you want to buy the glasses or not. The eye is the most complex organ in the human body and an eye test will estabilish the health of your eye as well as if a prescription is required. As Daisies said you do not become dependant on your glasses your brain decides that it prefers the clarity of having the glasses on and anyway why suffer if you need a prescription why subject your eyes to unnecessary strain.

Sinall

I think you are entitled to a free eye test a year with your PRSI. I just gave my PPS number to the optician and they checked it out and I was also allocated some money towards the glasses.

Norma in Spectacle Parade is very good and she tells you all about your eye health - and doesn't push you to get new glasses or glasses at all if you don't want them! You can just ring them with your PPS number and they will advise you.