Hey Guys
Just wondering if people still go to private independent optometrist's (and why) or does everyone just go to the corporate optoms like OPSM/Specsavers.
Would you guys book for the same optom all the time or just see whoever is available?
Would You Rather a Corporate or Independent Optometrist
Comments
Not fussed for just an eye check as medicare pays - although I tend to purchase from corporates, or cheaper independents.
My last independent was so useless I will never go back.
At the end of the day the experience is based on the individual optometrist, rather than company they represent.
Just recalling my last few visits:
I had great service from Big W (Macquarie) and BUPA
Average service from Specsavers (Chatswood)
I found Specsavers was more of a factory - but BUPA and Big W was really an independent under a corporate banner.
There has been some discussion around quality of lenses - but my Big W and Specsaver sunglasses are fine.
I think it depends on your personal needs.
If you have an eye problem, condition or something that isn't run of the mill like me, I try to go to the same guy I have been going to for years. He keeps a good track of the issues and knows when to refer me to a specialist and also knows the right eye specialist for me to see (rather than just picking one at random). But I do usually pay a gap for the eye exam.
But in saying that, if it's just something basic, all the big chains tend to go glaucoma and keep the records central - so if that's all that you need and don't want to spend the cash - then just go with one. You might have to shop around for the service you want (as Bradn3 suggests).
For the actual frames I tend not to buy mine from specsavers etc because they never fit quite right and they never carry super high end stuff that I find lasts longer. So I tend to shop around, and my optometrist is happy to do the lens (although I'm sure he would like the frames business too)…. for frames which I wear playing sport or the like, I just get the cheapos from specsaver.
Costco have optometrists too. Anyone here have any experience dealing with them?
My wife tried them and wasn't happy with the outcome even though they were pretty cheap. She loves shopping at Costco but won't be using their optometrist service again.
if it is just for a new pair of glasses and you are not claiming through health insurance then :
go to spec savers or similar to get a medicare subsidized eye test.
then take the script and buy your glasses online.
Independent. Corporates have a time limit on the consult length, which in most instances, they are inadequate.
What's the point of an examination and new glasses if the tests are inaccurate. It becomes more expensive remaking glasses, or quality of life is poorer because my vision is never optimal.
Corporate healthcare practices have varying degrees on HR (and other third party) involvement in patient care. There should never be any involvement in patient care apart from the physicians, surgeons and relevant trained ancillary staff (nurses, radiographers, etc… but never HR or insurance policies).
If you have a straightforward prescription then the bigger corporate's should be fine, although expect to be served by a different person each time. However if your prescription has any complexity then find an independent that you can trust and stick with them. You might pay a bit more but the more personalised service should deliver better outcomes.
I usually get my eyes checked at the Australian College of Optometry.
Corporates tend to open 7 days and late nights which can be more convenient. Most independents tend to close Sundays and even when they are open there is no optometrist on certain days.
+1 for independents. OPSM was very brisk and average. They charges for services like retinal scans whereas my last independent optometrist did them for free.
Definitely the independents! Although Big W uses quality lenses from Hoya, they have great equipments in all their consult rooms, just a pity they're not well known, hence a few closed down. The corporates all have KPIs to meet - they get very annoyed if you just turn up for eye tests without buying anything. Independents give you more personalized services.
My work sends me to a independent optometrist which the full amount is covered by work. I just go to specsavers every year & get 1 or 2 pairs with my health insurance. I might try a independent this year.