Consumer buying advice given in Which? Magazine’s Best and worst optician shops for 2016 article has been branded ‘unhelpful’ by the Optical Confederation (OC).
The report said many chose to have their eyes tested in one practice, but purchased glasses in another. This was backed up by its own survey results which suggested that this was a wise thing to do, because the companies that scored well for buying glasses, didn’t necessarily get the same high scores for eye testing.
The OC said problems with eyewear could be more common when patients exercised their right to take their prescription and shop around.
Speaking on behalf of the Confederation, professional adviser at the Association of Optometrists Geoff Roberson, said: ‘Many patients understandably view their prescription as being either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ but there are many factors involved in the prescribing and dispensing of tailored visual correction wear. The lenses and the fit of the glasses work together towards a good or bad result.
‘When buying glasses, the things to consider are – purpose, vision correction, quality, fit, comfort and eye health. It is very often better, as well as easier, to have glasses dispensed where the sight test is conducted.’
OC chair Chris Hunt added: ‘As Which? shows, the UK eye health sector is second to none and brings high quality care and choice to over 21m people a year, protecting the nation’s sight and playing an important public health role as early identification of eye disease.
‘People access optical services for a variety of reasons – to check the health of their eyes, to find affordable vision correction for their lifestyle, including high fashion styles, and to protect their vision e.g. from the sun or industrial situations. This is reflected in the wide range of different provider models and approaches patients can choose from whilst showing universally high scores for satisfaction wherever people decide to go.’