I searched opsm, specs savers and oscar wylee but I am unsure where I should go for an eyesight test. Does the optometrist differs from one place to another or they're all the same?
What about the price of the glasses do they differ a lot as well?
Looking for an Optometrist recommendations
iceteacake on 07/11/2022 - 16:29
Comments
Wouldn't it be hard to physically try on the glasses if I buy them online?
Yes, getting them online there's a risk they don't end up looking good
The optometrist testing should be covered by Medibank, and I think they are reasonably standard in their offerings. The important thing is to make sure you are provided with your prescription. Then you can shop around.
Medicare, but yes, all optometrists bulk bill the actual optical exam (at least I've never seen one that doesn't).
Last time I went to specsavers they emailed it through no hassles. But I did buy glasses on the day too (I needed new ones in a hurry anyway, they tend to be pretty quick turnaround).
Big W will do the test and print the results so you can purchase online somewhere else cheaper.
I saw this on a TV show 5-6 years ago the rest wont give you a copy of the results. Whether that.s changed or not ring and ask them if they will.
I've never had an Optometrist not give me a copy if I asked for one.
Differs by state but as far as I know they're required by law and/or industry bodies to do so. Unless they're not a member of Optometry Australia (and there's probably a state somewhere that hasn't written it into law).
They can charge a fee and act grumpy about it, but you're paying for the eye test through medicare, it's not theirs to withhold.
BigW shut down their optometrist business some time ago.
I find OPSM to be pretty good. They always do the eye pressure tests because my eyes are (profanity). I've been putting off my latest routine test because I know they are going to blast air into my eyes and drop the yellow dye into my eyeballs.
Do they do this at other optometrist as well?
I'm sure any optometrist can do it, it's what they are trained for.
Yes
Having tested at OPSM, Specsavers, Bailey Nelson and Costco, they are all alike in that equipment is fairly similar across the board.
How things go will depend on the individual optometrist but I think the training standards are pretty good in Australia as they have been pretty much spot on, I've tested at Specsavers and at Bailey Nelson within a short period of time and the script came out exactly the same.
I've always had eye pressure tests regardless of which place I've gone to and they are all covered by Medicare.
You should be able to get a print of your results but buying online will mean you'll measure your own PD.
Sounds like you are getting specs for the first time, recommend a physical shop so that if things go wrong you can get them to fix it easily, perhaps online for a cheaper price in the future when you are more comfortable with the process.
As iampoor suggests, you can get your eyes tested anywhere. This is entirely independent of where you buy your glasses.
In terms of buying glasses, I went through the process last week, and optometrists are the new second hand car sales people. Firstly, they charge more if you have private insurance. It's a total rort. Then they have these fake discounts that seem to always end the next day "so you'd better buy today". When I told them my glasses are still fine, and I'm just buying a second pair that I'm not prepared to be out of pocket for by much, the guy suddenly goes "how much were you thinking?" (!). Honestly, I had to haggle for a medically required instrument. Suddenly he pulls a different offer out of his hat which was $100 off the total, and my out-of-pocket costs dropped by $40.
If you have private insurance, you can try a brand optometrist, as the designs can be nice. But you have to haggle.
If you don't have insurance, or don't want to pay the gap, you can try specsavers.
Alternatively, if you do not have insurance and want to save, try Zenni. I have used them a lot when our daughter needed new glasses twice a year, also because for small frames there was far more choice than the optometrist (who only had boring designs). You can get a decent pair for around $50 AUD delivered, including anti-glare, everything. The glasses are of good quality, and we had no issues whatsoever with them. Very much on par with what you get from an optometrist, though you can't test them.
I think they vary in skill more than you think particularly at picking up problems. I got a script from Specsavers and the glasses I got back when ordering online elsewhere were useless. So I ordered a second pair off the same script also useless. Not sure if it is company policy to give you a bad script if you are buying elsewhere or a bad optometrist.
All people in every profession make some mistakes. Some make more than others. This year my wife and I went to a different optometrist. He was fantastic and found a serious disease in my wife's eye that the other guy completely missed ( wife is now on a non urgent waiting list for a partial corneal transplant).
In a way whatever the reason I am glad we felt forced to go elsewhere. Perhaps if you let people know your suburb they could make some local recommendations.
Yes ppl need to make a clear distinction between eye care / test and glasses. Are all accountants the same? Some are better than others. Some are nicer. Some have better processes. Some better systems. Same same with ootometrists. Many unfortunately have stricter time limits for appts and have sales targets. Do you really need x? Need to find someone you can trust and stay with them long term (like a Dr or other health professional)
I used to go to an independent small business optometrist, but now have moved to Specsavers. I found the equipment at Specsavers to be newer and more advanced, offered services that the small business did not. Was impressed, I would go back to Specsavers, at least for the eye test.
Understand we are conscious of pricing. But I think great value comes from well made & well designed branded lenses, although they are not cheap up front. Over time you are a winner.
Based on my own experience branded lenses are far better than the unbranded ones you get from Specsavers and Oscar Wylee. I always go to my own optom as I need specifically Zeiss’s lenses so I can only go to those who partner with Zeiss.
I have been going to my optom for the past decade, and the experience has always been excellent. The digital lenses I use require accurate measurement of pupil height due to the design of the lenses (entry level of progressive lenses - basically different correction strengths throughout the lenses).
Without accurate measurements of your eyes position on the glasses the lenses would be of no use. So I would really thank my optom practice for taking the time to ensure it’s fitted perfectly. IMO all practices should be doing this, but sadly nowadays not a lot of them do. :(
I recommend you ask around your friends who have higher expectation for their lenses. That’s one of the best and easy ways!
Used to order from Clearly Contacts (now Clearly), they are really affordable. FedEx from Canada in 48 hours, they once refunded 100% simply because I didn't like the frame, they even sent a reply paid envelope (to a Mascot address).
Since becoming Clearly, they had a prescription limitation to claim health fund. But looks like no more restriction now, will have to look into it again.
As much as I would like to support B&M shops, their range is limited and they are crazy expensive. I often pay for lens upgrades but left wondering if they have used higher end lenses. Sometimes I pay a premium for Zeiss just for the laser etched logo, other brands such as Hoya are hard to tell for sure.
Specsavers is the cheapest for glasses out of physical stores (as long as you want two pairs) but you can always ask for your prescription and get glasses from Clearly.com or similar, which will be cheaper. The testing should all be as good as each other.