Specsavers Feedback

Killer_banana

Never worn glasses before but decided to get eyes tested after having some trouble reading things on the projector/board in college and having some eye pain. Went to specsavers as they had €15 eye tests and money is a bit tight atm. I was told I am short sighted in my right eye and that my left eye is oblong shaped so together it can cause trouble seeing things far away. I was told I need 'concentration' glasses for looking at the board/projector in lectures and for studying. I did not have money with me at the time to buy glasses so left after paying for the test.

When I got home I told my parents. My Dad said he doesn't like Specsavers as they prescribe unnecessary glasses for the sake of making money. My Mum has also heard that they're not great at giving tests.

So was just wondering what other people's experience with them is. Have you ever felt you were sold glasses you didn't need or have you had good experience with them. As I've said money's tight, I don't want to buy glasses I don't need, especially as it could damage my sight further. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

loconnor1001

I already wear glasses, but when I went in for an eye exam last summer they did tell me that my prescription had only changed very slightly in one eye and that it wasn't necessary to get new glasses unless I wanted them since the change was so small. So in my experience they were not trying to sell me a new pair of glasses just to make a sale.

loconnor1001

Oh! I will say this though, when I did go back a couple of months later to get new glasses, the girl was way trying to over sell every lens upgrade available to man. When I said thanks but no thanks she got pretty snarky! But she just a sales assistant and not the eye dr.

amtc

I was lasered in September so no need for glasses any more.

I would however say that Specsavers were the best I ever went to

Started off at Mairead O Learys in Blanchardstown - was paying 200 euro for lenses very month - eventually went I re-ordered they told me I was the only one wearing these. Got really annoyed they hadn't updated me, and just refilled prescription.

Then I went to McGivneys in Henry st, then Urban EyeCare on the Quays, then McNallys on Liffey St - all great - but all closed down.

Went to Vision Express but found it a complete money making racket.

Specsavers were great.No high pressure sales techniques and a copy of the prescription on the way out the door (plus a tax form)

paudgenator

Having used Specsavers in Australia and here, for myself & daughter, for glasses & contacts, I have always been happy with them. My hubby & son have been tested there and here, and both told they don't need glasses.

Here, we originally went to the Grafton street branch, then Dundrum, and I have to say in general the staff at Dundrum were far nicer so will stick to there.

Having said that, they do try to "upsell" - for both my daughter & I, we didn't want 2 sets of glasses each so instead opted for the anti-glare on 1 set - but that was not offered initially, only when we asked for options.

Moonbeam

It depends on the Shop.

I found them fine for glasses but not for contacts.

Killer_banana

Moonbeam wrote: »

It depends on the Shop.

Well in then that case anyone have an experiences with the Specsavers in Galway?

AlmightyCushion

loconnor1001 wrote: »

I already wear glasses, but when I went in for an eye exam last summer they did tell me that my prescription had only changed very slightly in one eye and that it wasn't necessary to get new glasses unless I wanted them since the change was so small. So in my experience they were not trying to sell me a new pair of glasses just to make a sale.

I got the same last time I was there. They told me I didn't need to get new glasses. I said I disagreed and then pulled out my existing pair of glasses that were bent beyond belief and had one of the arms falling off. I never found them pushy on up-selling lens upgrades either.

paudgenator

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

I got the same last time I was there. They told me I didn't need to get new glasses. I said I disagreed and then pulled out my existing pair of glasses that were bent beyond belief and had one of the arms falling off. I never found them pushy on up-selling lens upgrades either.

lol.. but the optomotrist who does the eye-test gives you the results, & you dont have to buy glasses there on the day, you can take your prescription off and buy glasses/contacts wherever.

Once you say "yes I want to buy here today", you get passed onto the salesperson, who may or may not try to upsell.

AlmightyCushion

paudgenator wrote: »

lol.. but the optomotrist who does the eye-test gives you the results, & you dont have to buy glasses there on the day, you can take your prescription off and buy glasses/contacts wherever.

Once you say "yes I want to buy here today", you get passed onto the salesperson, who may or may not try to upsell.

It was nearly two years ago so I can't really remember, you're probably right though. It does show that they don't just make unnecessary prescriptions though.

chinwag

I've read above posts and I'm wondering how "independent" opticians compare to Specsavers in general?

Daisies

Killer_banana wrote: »

When I got home I told my parents. My Dad said he doesn't like Specsavers as they prescribe unnecessary glasses for the sake of making money. My Mum has also heard that they're not great at giving tests.

An optometrist is a healthcare professional and will not prescribe new glasses for you if you do not need them. Whether an optometrist works in Specsavers or an independent they have the same qualifications, are ruled by the same professional body guidelines and have the same code of conduct to follow.

The main difference is the volume of tests so technically someone in a multiple like Specsavers vs the person who graduated at the same time and working in an independent could have completely different experience due to one seeing a LOT more people.

Having worked both in Specsavers and in private practise I do nothing different. If someone needs new glasses due to a change in their prescription, I will tell them. If they don't, I will tell them. Whether they then decide to get new spex, ie like AlmightyCushion, due to the old ones being damaged then it is up to themselves!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Killer_banana

Thanks everyone for your help. I was thinking it was just my dad being a bit paranoid but I thought I may as well doublecheck. If I had not been experiencing eye pain then I may be a bit more cynical but the circumstances under which I have pain/struggle match up with his diagnosis pretty well so I don't think the prescription is unnecessary.

celticcrash

I visited specsavers today. After seeing the optomotrist, I was told I needed
glasses for reading, taught so myself. A girl came into the exam room took my chart and told me to follow her.
She took me straight over to the stands and just started trying glasses on me.2 for the price of one I was told. I felt awkard as I have never wore glasses in my life. Everything was a rush with her. I was not told about price difference in glasses. So I just picked 2 pairs as she was making me feel uncomfortable and said these will do.
I was sat down at a desk she filled out the forms quickly. Thats it she said we usually take full payment. 129 euro please. I gave 60 and said I would pay the rest when I picked up the glasses.
I was glad to get out of there I felt I had just being trampled on.
I came home and looked up the site and seen all the options that I could have picked.
I tried to phone the store to canel my perscription and also to complain about my treatment. But I could not get through. I will phone back tomorrow to cancel. I have not being given any paperwork about my exam
and I also taught this unusual.

nino1

celticcrash wrote: »

I visited specsavers today. After seeing the optomotrist, I was told I needed
glasses for reading, taught so myself. A girl came into the exam room took my chart and told me to follow her.
She took me straight over to the stands and just started trying glasses on me.2 for the price of one I was told. I felt awkard as I have never wore glasses in my life. Everything was a rush with her. I was not told about price difference in glasses. So I just picked 2 pairs as she was making me feel uncomfortable and said these will do.
I was sat down at a desk she filled out the forms quickly. Thats it she said we usually take full payment. 129 euro please. I gave 60 and said I would pay the rest when I picked up the glasses.
I was glad to get out of there I felt I had just being trampled on.
I came home and looked up the site and seen all the options that I could have picked.
I tried to phone the store to canel my perscription and also to complain about my treatment. But I could not get through. I will phone back tomorrow to cancel. I have not being given any paperwork about my exam
and I also taught this unusual.

You are an adult are you not?
You know how to ask for more information if you are unsure of something?
I'm not a big specsavers fan but this is ridiculous.
If you were a minor I would have some simpathy but you felt rushed and needed more information but you didn't say anything but instead complain about it on an internet forum?

celticcrash

nino1 wrote: »

You are an adult are you not?
You know how to ask for more information if you are unsure of something?
I'm not a big specsavers fan but this is ridiculous.
If you were a minor I would have some simpathy but you felt rushed and needed more information but you didn't say anything but instead complain about it on an internet forum?

I went in today with my complaint and seen one of the managers. We sorted it out between us.
Where you ever caught off guard? Seems like no not you.
It must be great to be you.

evilmonkee

celticcrash wrote: »

I visited specsavers today...
I tried to phone the store to canel my prescription and also to complain about my treatment.

I have had the exact opposite experience in Specsavers, although it was nearly two years ago.
I went in because I was experiencing some eye strain.
Had my eyes tested and chatted with the optometrist. She told me that I had a slight astigmatism. If I could limit my exposure to VDU's to <4hrs a day, I would not need glasses.
I told her that was not possible for me and I would like to get glasses that day if possible.

I was handed over to a member of sales staff who informed me that I could either have a student discount or 2 for 1, I was unsure, she informed me that I could come back anytime if I didn't want to decide straight away.

She showed me where the different sections of glasses were and asked if I would like her assistance in choosing frames. I kindly declined and she informed me that she would be at the desk if I wanted advice.

I choose 2 pairs and proceeded to the counter. I was brought to a desk and asked if I wanted any of the extra's, I had never had glasses, so each option was gone through with me and I ended up not taking any.

I was then given a choice of cases for my glasses. I can't remember if I was offered a copy of my prescription, but I was told that if I ever wanted a copy to contact the store and it would be no problem.

antonymous

Specsavers... Really depends on the shop you go to. Inner city Dublin they're usually ok, but on the outskirts (santry, swords etc.) The service is appalling. Very rushed, sales oriented attitude, not very helpful and give you no information about your eyes (don't get me started on their testing procedures either) unless you pry it out of them. But the worst part is when you get your glasses, they never fit right, they even rush that part, I usually have to head into city centre to get them done in trinity/grafton st specsavers, excellent service in there.

Jimoslimos

Optometrist will test your eyes, usually ask a few question regarding lifestyle, work etc.

If you decide to look at glasses that day, the assistant in store will elaborate on those questions to build up a picture of what to recommend. Multifocals, reading, anti-glare, polarized tint, etc Also if he/she are any good they'll take a look at your previous spectacles. Extras such as anti-glare coatings or expensive multifocal lenses you got from an independent may not be included as standard with the cheaper chains. It is pretty important to tell the consumer how their new spectacles will differ compared to their old pair (and not just on prescription strength) - "these aren't like my old glasses" is a common complaint

Upselling happens in most retail industries, look at ryanair for example! If you're 6'6" then a seat with extra legroom might not be a necessity - but it's pretty damm desirable!

looksee

Been with Specsavers for years and no problems. Some sales people are more rushed or pushy than others, but that's just people, I don't think there is any hard sell. You can always say 'I'll just have a look round for now thanks' all the glasses are priced and they are willing to give you additional options - telling you what is available rather than pushing them, I think.

My only real problem was once when I decided to shop local and went to a nearby opticians. She insisted on doing something I disagreed with (placement of bifocal area) - I said I had used it like that for years and it was fine. She disagreed and did it her way, which did not work. Eventually I had to go to the 'head office' and fight with a very pushy person to get them remade to the way I wanted.

Not very impressed with Specsavers hearing service though, they should stick to what they know.

CharlieRose

Specsavers Opticians are usually required to bang out strictly 15 min tests, one after the other all day long. Straight away anyone can see that that is just not enough time to complete a thorough examination. Due to time constrains, de-motivated, overworked and underpaid employees the quality of your service is instantly halved.
You are a million times better going to an independent.

I have being going to an optometrist in Castleknock for 4 years and they supply a 1 hr eye test in which your explained all of details of your prescription and any abnormalities explained through animations. They spend so much time with you then helping you pick out your frames going on the shape of your face, personality and style.

Daisies

CharlieRose, you have stated before that your friend owns the optometrist practise that you are recommending. Please do not use this forum to advertise on their behalf.

yelofmail

It's been a few years since I got a new pair of glasses so I thought I ought to get my eyes checked out. I also wanted to try contacts, I wore them about 15 years ago and liked them but discontinued because they were expensive and complicated being the days before disposable lenses.
Anyway I went into a Specsavers because it was easy and central. I'm not living in the same city as my long time optician who sold me my current pair. I waited about an hour for the test. That was to be expected considering the time of the day. Then I did the test. I found the optician professional and had no problem with him.
The sales person on the other hand disappointed me. There was no great change in my prescription but I decided that I would try the contacts. I was informed that because one eye was particularly weak I would have to opt for the more expensive type. I was also interested in getting a new pair of glasses and since they were running an offer with free glasses from their cheaper range with contacts I thought it might be a good idea to get those. I was informed that my prescription would work better with the much more expensive range this is because I need the lenses that have been treated so that they can be thinner (forgive me if I'm not getting all the terms and technical jargon right here). I expressed my concern about the price. They very kindly pointed out that you can set up some scheme where you pay in installments (I have no intention of paying in installments for anything because i detest banks and financial institutions in general and deal with them as little as possible). I pointed out that I could pay the full whack there and then if I so wished, it wasn't a matter of not having the money, it was a matter just not being willing to pay that kind of money as long as my current pair of glasses were perfectly fine. I got the pitch that I would get two pairs. I told them that that was not very attractive either, ever since I stopped climbing trees and playing football at lunchtime having a spare pair was not necessary and I'm not in the habit of confronting drunk people at night so unlikely to get a box in the face. The designer frame (aren't all frames designed by someone?) held no attraction to me either, I don't wear specs to get noticed. Anyway in the words of the News of the World reporters of yore I made my excuses and left.
If you have a weaker prescription, have no astigmatism and both your eyes are about the same strength and are attracted by the two for one offer (and designer frames) you are fine. You can avail of the special offers. Many of us are not, we don't fit into the cookie cutter model of eye care. I wouldn't so much compare Specsavers with Tesco as I would with Ryanair. They advertize one figure but then there are extras. They will suit some, I will continue with my family optician. The family optician may look more expensive but for those of us not satisfied by the cookie cutter approach they are competitive and the personal touch, honesty and relationship means that they can often work out cheaper. You can never be too careful with your eyes. Caveat Emptor.