Specsavers Ireland: sneaky upselling

....... · 04-12-2017 2:56pm

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AMKC · 04-12-2017 4:34pm

Nekarsulm wrote: »

The more "designer" branded frames really drive up the price.
I got tested, a pair of Quicksilver frames, and ultra thin glass lenses (prescription is something like -7 in the left and -11 in the right) for 285. Refused tints. I never get plastic lens as they scratch so easily.
The chosen frames added something like 70 euro to the price.

My last pair, in an independent opticians were nearly 500 euro!
Never again will I go there, which is why I went go Spec Savers this time.

I once got plastic frames along with a steel pair too and this was from an independent near me which are quite good. I was sorry I got the plastic frames do as they got broke very easily. I also have to get ultra thin lenses and tinted as my eye is very sensitive to light.
I once tried to just buy new lenses but they said that they don,t makes lenses for the frames you have anymore. I wonder now were there just saying that.

....... · 04-12-2017 4:38pm

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AMKC · 04-12-2017 4:41pm

....... wrote: »

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Did they give you your pupillary distance after or how did you get it?

Nekarsulm · 04-12-2017 4:43pm

AMKC wrote: »

Did they give you your pupillary distance after or how did you get it?

I got mine in Specsavers in Cavan.
By taking a few sneaky photo's of the prescription card with my mobile.......

....... · 04-12-2017 4:45pm

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ForestFire · 04-12-2017 7:08pm

....... wrote: »

I measured it myself in 2014 after they refused to provide it then and have since ordered several pairs of glasses from zenni. So I already had it.

Its dead easy to measure it yourself.

I was just interested to see what theyd say - if the policy had changed. My husband was getting his eyes tested too - he also asked, and she gave him a different excuse.

Would you not just refuse to pay if they would not give you the full details of your eye test.

I know there be some bs about that not part of the cost, but it takes a second to measure so how much extra could it actually be.

Fred Swanson · 04-12-2017 7:14pm

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Cerco · 04-12-2017 8:08pm

ForestFire wrote: »

Would you not just refuse to pay if they would not give you the full details of your eye test.

I know there be some bs about that not part of the cost, but it takes a second to measure so how much extra could it actually be.

I guess most people have already given them their PRSI number for the test, so they would get paid anyway.

Fred Swanson · 04-12-2017 8:10pm

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....... · 05-12-2017 10:02am

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Fred Swanson · 05-12-2017 4:51pm

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Doodah7 · 05-12-2017 5:00pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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I'm more interested, in the first instance, on finding out the legal basis of an optician having to give out the prescription? I would rather be able to quote them some specific piece of legislation or rule that mandates them to disclose this information, upon request or otherwise.

I know, in theory, one could put in a Data Protection request which strikes me as cracking a nut with a sledgehammer...

Edit: should have just Googled.

Regulation 4 of SI 455 of 2015 states:
4. An optometrist shall carry out an eye examination to determine whether or not the patient needs to use or wear spectacles. If the optometrist determines that the patient needs to use or wear spectacles, he or she shall issue a prescription for spectacles and shall give a signed and dated prescription for spectacles to the patient, if requested.

Thus if a PD measurement is part of the prescription, then it cannot be legally withheld.

Tenigate · 05-12-2017 5:12pm

Unless you specifically ask for PD as part of the eye exam and specsavers accept your offer, the optometrist did nothing wrong by not putting it on the report - just as you can't force them to note your eye colour on the report.
You could argue that its a breach of competition if the optometrist records the info as part of your eye exam, and specsavers intentionally withheld it from you to prevent you from purchasing your frames elsewhere.
However, IIRC last time I got my eyes tested the measurement was done after the eye exam & when I was purchasing the frames. I've no doubt it's done this way on purpose.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 05-12-2017 5:12pm

Doodah7 wrote: »

I'm more interested, in the first instance, on finding out the legal basis of an optician having to give out the prescription? I would rather be able to quote them some specific piece of legislation or rule that mandates them to disclose this information, upon request or otherwise.

I know, in theory, one could put in a Data Protection request which strikes me as cracking a nut with a sledgehammer...

Edit: should have just Googled.

Regulation 4 of SI 455 of 2015 states:
4. An optometrist shall carry out an eye examination to determine whether or not the patient needs to use or wear spectacles. If the optometrist determines that the patient needs to use or wear spectacles, he or she shall issue a prescription for spectacles and shall give a signed and dated prescription for spectacles to the patient, if requested.

Thus if a PD measurement is part of the prescription, then it cannot be legally withheld.

PD measurement is classed as a dispensing tool when ordering frames rather than a part of the actual prescription of the person whose eyes were tested.

Fred Swanson · 05-12-2017 5:22pm

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ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 05-12-2017 5:23pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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Loads of sites explain how.

Here's one....

http://www.zennioptical.com/measuring-pd-infographic

Tenigate · 05-12-2017 5:24pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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Using a ruler.
http://bfy.tw/FP1l

....... · 05-12-2017 6:03pm

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Tenigate · 05-12-2017 6:41pm

....... wrote: »

Yep - I wonder what the excuse would be if I asked for it at that point?

They wouldn't need to give you an excuse. They just wouldn't have to tell you. The measurement isn't part of the eye test report. And providing you with the measurement is not part of the product you're buying.

Fred Swanson · 05-12-2017 6:48pm

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L1011 · 05-12-2017 6:49pm

The protection of something which is so simply meausred is petty in the extreme.

The other big chain only gave me mine because I'd bought glasses there before and because I told them i was getting something they didn't sell.

Which may not even exist - prescription welding goggles was all I could think of! This was on a cash paid test too as I needed it rapidly for work and PRSI paperwork takes time

....... · 05-12-2017 10:31pm

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RiseToMe · 06-12-2017 12:21am

I'm an Optician, unconnected to the company being spoken about here as I own my own business doing something quite different now, however: The PD is a facial measurement from which the centration distance of the lenses can be calculated when frame fit and prescription usage are taken into consideration. It's not generally done as part of the eye test, it is part of the dispensing process which takes place when you purchase glasses.

Yes it only takes a minute to measure it however this is a service that is in addition to the sight test so you'll see more and more places charging for it, legally, if it's requested. You wouldn't expect a doctor to not charge you if your consultation was brief etc.

L1011 · 06-12-2017 12:24am

RiseToMe wrote: »

You wouldn't expect a doctor to not charge you if your consultation was brief etc.

I wouldn't be impressed if they asked for money for a ten second procedure innately connected to a far longer procedure they are already being paid for.

Anyway, its facile for people to do it themselves. Charging for it is just going to drive more people online.

I know the Luxottica effective monopoly is a factor in the pricing in Ireland but its not all of it - opticians simply charge too much here.

RiseToMe · 06-12-2017 12:36am

L1011 wrote: »

I wouldn't be impressed if they asked for money for a ten second procedure innately connected to a far longer procedure they are already being paid for.

Anyway, its facile for people to do it themselves. Charging for it is just going to drive more people online.

I know the Luxottica effective monopoly is a factor in the pricing in Ireland but its not all of it - opticians simply charge too much here.

Its not a ten second procedure for patients with strabismus for example, which in my experience was a very regular occur ancestors. In addition, the intended use of the spectacles etc plays a part, as well as those people who have prescriptions over 5.00 need their BVD of the test and the frame they are purchasing to be considered in order to compensate the prescription as required as well as heights (which are adjusted downward depending on the pantoscopic tilt of the frame) to avoid prismatic effect.

Regarding pricing, you'd be surprised at the lack of margin. Designer frames into the store can cost in the region of 80 per pair, average varifocals with a coating 90 a pair, the cost of glazing if you dont have a lab on site (or the cost of said lab and staff). Add in the support staff, premises, equipment cost, optometrist salary and insurance and what's left is slim.

An arm of my current business is checking the accuracy and compliance of online suppliers of spectacles, an area I'm actually keen on, but sadly a lot of the glasses sent to us fail for a variety of reasons. In particular prescription accuracy. It appears the old saying of you get what you pay for rings true.

....... · 06-12-2017 9:50am

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stimpson · 06-12-2017 10:24am

....... wrote: »

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At my last test the optician checked the glasses I got from Zenni and they were spot on.

RiseToMe · 06-12-2017 1:33pm

....... wrote: »

Im sure most people who buy glasses online compare them with the ones they bought in a bricks and mortar store and if they notice a problem they send them back?

Id be interested in your results on checking the accuracy and compliance of bricks and mortar suppliers of glasses too.

We've done plenty of bricks and mortar ones as well, with a lot more accurate results vs online. I dont have a dog in this fight at all as it's not my area anymore, literally just my two cents on the debate as it's stands and our results as an accredited facility.

Theres a lot more to consider than just the PD in terms of accuracy of the setting of the lenses.

....... · 06-12-2017 1:49pm

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feargale · 09-01-2018 1:56pm

Postgrad10 wrote: »

They are notorious for that. You might as well get the second pair, and the pressure you get put under when you give them your older frames to put the new prescription. Oh you need a change from those ones, these others suit you so much better. I don't go in without a friend anymore. And the second pair are never really free. It just means the first pair were double the price they should have been. And don't dare insult them by saying you don't need a free hearing test !

In the past I have had the experience of changing lens at Specsavers to be told that they can no longer fit my old frames. Is this another scam?

Fred Swanson · 09-01-2018 2:17pm

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vicwatson · 07-02-2018 2:22pm

Anyone got a price list of "extras" that SS "offer after you have an eye test and choose frames? Someone mentioned €45.00 for Anti-glare "protection"

What other extras are being offered?

How much does thinner lens cost?

allym · 07-02-2018 3:16pm

vicwatson wrote: »

Anyone got a price list of "extras" that SS "offer after you have an eye test and choose frames? Someone mentioned €45.00 for Anti-glare "protection"

What other extras are being offered?

How much does thinner lens cost?

Depends on how thin you need them to be. Mine are very thick as Im very short sighted at it cost €175 for the thinnest lenses when I got them last month. But I wouldn’t be able to wear them if I didn’t get the thinnest ones, as it is they’re not totally flush with the frame

vicwatson · 08-02-2018 12:24am

Any ideas on the costs of the grades of thinner lens?

And what else do they try flog you on top of the frames prices?

allym · 08-02-2018 4:43pm

vicwatson wrote: »

Any ideas on the costs of the grades of thinner lens?

And what else do they try flog you on top of the frames prices?

I think the medium level was around €140ish? They also offer anti glare but I don’t remember how much that was as it was included in mine (I can’t remember why now).

Also just to say you absolutely don’t have to take the second pair. I explained that it wasn’t worth my while getting a second pair when I would have to pay for the lenses and they offered to keep it on file that I was entitled to a “free pair” so I could go back and get them at a later date if I wanted to. I obviously don’t know how that works in practice though

vicwatson · 09-02-2018 12:39pm

Are you saying €140.00 on top of the cost of the frames you choose?

busymum1 · 12-02-2018 12:05pm

It's also worth trying different branches of the same chain. One outlet locally we have found to be terrible but in the other one the staff couldn't be more helpful and professional. They have saved us money on glasses for my youngest in the past and gone out of their way to accommodate her by ordering in specific frames that she really liked. If I had just had the experience with the bigger more central outlet I would never have used them again. It's worth shopping around.
p.s I find the anti-glare coating worth every penny for night driving. ( Last year a PRSI Eye test, two pairs with cheapest frames with standard lenses and anti-glare coating on one pair set me back 90 euros, the coating was 45 of that I think. I'm in no way connected with any opticians)

allym · 12-02-2018 1:14pm

vicwatson wrote: »

Are you saying €140.00 on top of the cost of the frames you choose?

Sorry just seeing this now. Yes that’s an extra cost.

Dymo · 19-09-2020 9:07am

I was in Specsavers yesterday and I had two frames picked out ready to purchase but the assistant got so rude when I would not take the reflexive coating add-on, it was downhill from there, I wear contacts all of the time I rarely wear glasses and I told him that but again when I said I don't need the ultra thin lenses my prescription isn't that bad -1.75 he double downed and told me words to the effect the glasses would look stupid on me so I just asked can I have my prescription I'll check them out online then came the I'll get ripped online with Specsavers website, it's going to take 6 weeks to arrive I won't get my PRSI discount.

I didn't care, I was told to wait outside eventually he came out with my prescription and again I was told I'm going to have the same problems online and they were going to look stupid on me in front of everyone that was in the queue.

I did inform the shop of my experience what ever good that does.

19-09-2020 9:10am

They are scum.

Pkiernan · 19-09-2020 9:13am

Dymo wrote: »

I was in Specsavers yesterday and I had two frames picked out ready to purchase but the assistant got so rude when I would not take the reflexive coating add-on, it was downhill from there, I wear contacts all of the time I rarely wear glasses and I told him that but again when I said I don't need the ultra thin lenses my prescription isn't that bad -1.75 he double downed and told me words to the effect the glasses would look stupid on me so I just asked can I have my prescription I'll check them out online then came the I'll get ripped online with Specsavers website, it's going to take 6 weeks to arrive I won't get my PRSI discount.

I didn't care, I was told to wait outside eventually he came out with my prescription and again I was told I'm going to have the same problems online and they were going to look stupid on me in front of everyone that was in the queue.

I did inform the shop of my experience what ever good that does.

https://www.specsavers.ie/news-and-information/customer-care

You should let them know of your experience

Dymo · 19-09-2020 6:13pm

Pkiernan wrote: »

https://www.specsavers.ie/news-and-information/customer-care

You should let them know of your experience

I did last night, and to be fair I got a call from the manager this morning, and he was straight about what was expected of his staff, he apologised and explained what their objectives were and how their sales person should of acted which was what I was expecting. So I'll just leave it at that, the manager seemed genuinely concerned and sound.

Fast forward to this afternoon, I went to another Specsavers as I still wanted my lenses! and they have my prescription didn't want another test.

The experience couldn't have been more different. I was told where the lenses were and if I needed any assistance to ask her. I picked out the frames she measured me for fitting, asked me did I need the coating? I said no she said that's fine no problem, paid a left.

None of the pressure crap of the day before, and I would definitely go back to this Specsavers.

Specsavers Ireland: sneaky upselling

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