Time your test

Optometrists have been urged to take part in a survey run by the Optometric Fees Review Committee and the Optical Confederation which will try to establish the average length of time a sight test takes for use in fee negotiations.

One in 10 optometrists across the country have been asked to record the length of time each sight test takes over seven days in one of four weeks in September and October.

The Optical Confederation said the information might not lead to fee increases but without it, the profession's negotiators were completely hamstrung.

Optician asked Vision Express and Specsavers for details of how long their sight tests take. Vision Express said its appointments were scheduled at 25 minutes, with an additional five minutes for pre-examination. Specsavers revealed it not did not have any predetermined times and length could depend on factors such as specific eye issues.