Optometrist refused to Carry out Contacts Check

Kalyke

I recently had a checkup at a branch of a national chain. This was covered by PRSI and I was wearing glasses. The optometrist could not have been nicer and put no pressure on me to purchase new frames. My prescription was virtually unchanged. She did, however, suggest that I return , wearing my lenses for a further checkup. Fair enough, I had not had a check up for 4 years and had no problem paying for same. When I arrived for the lenses check it was a different optometrist. She was NOT friendly. She asked me some questions, ALL of which were previously answered and on my file. But then she informed me she would not commence the lenses check unless I could produce the packaging that my lenses were sold to me in. I told her I could tell her EXACTLY all the information she needed about the lenses I was wearing. She was not accepting that. I then remembered that I had a pack of lenses in my car that was parked 10 minutes away. She mumbled something about "be back in 5 or else I will be going to lunch". At that I took my leave. I guess the issue was, I made it clear from day 1, that all I wanted was a checkup and would not be purchasing lenses there. Was I out of order? Was the optometrist within her rights?

Kalyke

I suppose what I would like to know is..It is unreasonable of me to pay for an eye examination but prefer to purchase my contact lenses elsewhere? Was the optometrist within her rights to refuse to carry out the examination without having proof of the type of lens I was wearing?

RiseToMe

In short, yes she was within within her rights.

In order to carry out an effective assessment and provide you with a prescription she needed to know what lenses you are wearing. As your prescription with them was out of date she presumed you were perhaps not wearing your original specifications.

I know that you knew what you were wearing however "your word" isnt enough to protect the optom in the case of litigation, from her point of view you may have recalled the specification incorrectly.

Also edited to add no its not unreasonable that you get your checks and purchase elsewhere, it is becoming the norm.

Daisies

As RiseToMe said, if you have not had a check in 4 years, and have my been buying your lenses from that branch, the optometrist has no idea that the lenses you are wearing are the ones that are on your file. This is becoming more and more an issue when people are buying online and deciding to go for cheaper lens options. Legally an optometrist cannot write a contact lens prescription without knowning what lenses they are looking at on the eye.