Eye Test

[masma]

Had an eye test a month ago and got new varifocals, these are ok for long distance but not close up. I've been back twice and they say there's nothing wrong with the glasses. My question is.. can I go to another optitions for a second opinion?

[dunnitall]

I am having the same problem but lucky enough that if I cannot get on with them if I return them within 28 days they will replace with bifocals. Sounds to me they need adjusting inasmuch that they are either too low or too high on your nose, they can adjust them and shouldn't shrug you off with nothing wrong with them, they cannot tell that but you can tell if they are right for you. Ask them to adjust fit and see if that improves for you.

[dunnitall]

Meant to say there probably isn't anything wrong with them but it's down to the fit. You could get another optician to check the prescription of the lenses against your eye test results. Good luck.

[gingejbee]

I agree with dunnitall....problems with varifocals are often due to incorrect adjustment, meaning that you are looking through the wrong part of the lens at any one time.
Many opticians will offer alternatives if you REALLY can't get on with varifocals...but it is worth persevering with them until you are satisfied.

[Old_Jim]

Varifocals take quite a bit of getting used to - and some people never do. You have to learn to tilt your head according to what you want to look at. The close-up bit is at the bottom of the lens, so you have to tilt your head back. Some people adapt to it automatically.

Because varifocal lenses are extremely expensive and lucrative to the optician, some less scrupulous types prescribe them without explaining the options to you. Unless you go for 22ct gold frames, it's cheaper to buy three pairs of glasses with fixed lenses. Separate glasses for distance, reading and computer might be fiddly, but you'll see a lot better. I suggest you find another optician and get some reading and intermediate glasses and keep the rip-off pair for distance.

[gingejbee]

I really can't agree with OJ...having two or three different pairs (and don't forget the "spare" pairs you'll need) is a daft way to go.

[andy-hughes]

I have always avoided going down the varifocal / bi-focal route.

When I was told I needed reading glasses to work at my PC, I didn;t think twice about ordering up two pairs - one for the office, one for home.

I have never found it tiresome to switch, and I am always able to see what I am doing in whatever situation.

Might be worth putting this down to experience, and getting some 'seeing' and 'reading' specs instead.

[dunnitall]

I have worn bifocals for many years and got used to them reasonably quickly and now second nature to me, but I just could not hack having to change glasses so it is down to individual choice, I couldn't be doing with separate ones for separate needs. I am trying to get used to the varifocals and my Asda opticians give you 30 days to fully try them out and if you cannot get on with them they will switch back to bifocals so I think that's a great deal. In fact I wouldn't have agreed to have them if they didn't have that offer.

It is down to each individual, some can get used to things and some can't, it is a matter of adjustment with varifocals so I would still go back masma and ask them to adjust them and see how it goes from there.

[gness]

Hi, Masma.....whatever they say if you are unable to see properly through the glasses then they can't be fit for purpose.

It can be the prescription or the fit but they should be obliged to make sure you are happy with them so keep going back.

I wear varifocals....can't be doing with two pairs if, for example, I am sewing or knitting and following a pattern and watching TV at the same time and there have been occasions when I have gone back five or six times to get a new pair perfect....so keep at it....it can be done.

I don't know how you stand with getting a second opinion but you could pop into another optician to ask....X

[ruthandsam]

Just out of interest where did you go for your varifocals? The only reason I'm asking is because I know of many and I mean many people who have had problems with their varifocals that were purchased from a certain large chain of opticians.

However, I had to keep going back for the same reason as yours. It turned out that the ultra thin lens that I had chosen for my varifocals was actually the problem. I had them remade with a normal thickness lens and I've had no more problems. Same happened with my work colleague. As soon as the lens was changed to normal thickness he had no further problems.

As far as your question goes, I really don't know the answer, however, I would try to exhaust the different options with the original opticians first. Then, if still not satisfied, you could go to another opticians. However, if there does not seem to be a problem with the eye test you will no-doubt have to pay again (for the eye test).

Let us know how you go on. Varifocals are so expensive so it's worth pursuing - I wouldn't go for anything else now!!

[whistonian]

I wore bifocals for years and changed to varifocals 3 years ago,yes they took some getting used too but once you are used to them there great.I shall be collecting my 4th set this coming weekend from specsavers.

[masma]

I've always worn varifocals. First pair took some getting used to then 2 lots after that were perfect, didn't know I had them on, now these... I've been back to the opticians (I knew I'd spelt it wrong the first time but just couldn't get it right!) 3 times, they re-fitted them and done all sorts of fiddling but they're still not right. I got talked into anti-glare which is a nightmare, can it be taken off? All this was with Specsavers..

[dunnitall]

Oh didn't know you were already a wearer of varifocals, I was going by you being a first time user like myself. It means then you know exactly how they should be so if it were me I'd tell them you're not satisfied, that they are not fit for purpose because you cannot wear them as they are and you require a refund. Sorry to say I've heard some not so good stories re specsavers but then again not every retailer is perfect and it's down to individual choice.

I was happy with the price of mine too which I think were very reasonable and the varifocals being the top end too, I got those and a single lens pair for around £160 and both were new frames. I do hope you get your money back if you choose to go down that route, let us know how it goes.

[york310]

Specsavers appear to offer a 30 trial period with varifocals and also appear to have a three month 'no quibble no fuss' money back guarentee. Speak to the store manager or dispensing optician who Should be best to say why your new varifocals are problematic. It is usually down to fit but they need to look at your old correction and what change has been made and for what reason.
Good luck

[gingejbee]

Re york's answer: since Specsavers is a type of franchise, there is no manager as such. The head honcho of each branch (usually the head optometrist) is the owner of that business...and that is the person that you should ask to resolve your problem.
I've used Specsavers for many years and found them excellent...any minor problem has been resolved with no fuss or further expense.