Free eye test at specsavers. Do a decent job. I know staines is free using 8303 and am sure other branches are also free using the same code. Plenty of slots available in different locations because people are busy doing other things. I know Tesco and other places do them free too but I find specsavers are a little better in my experience.

Specsavers are quite expensive in general,so it works out cheaper paying for your eye test at Asda,just had mine done there.

I beg to differ. They were hands-down the cheapest for a reglaze. I compared to Boots, vision express and The Opticial shop. All were about 50% more than Specsavers. I was skeptical giving them my branded frames especially as they all just seem weird in the shop but took my chance and it was absolutely fine. They even gave me a free Hugo boss case to matchthe specs. !0/10 on cost and service.

They are expensive for new glasses,I got mine at Specsavers previously.

fair enough. Always worth shopping around of course but you can use this free eye test anywhere.
Just trying to help those who can do with saving a bit from eye tests

I used to work for them, they don't do anything properly, fast and furious is the motto.

I used a FREE eye test offer for Spec Savers last year - never again.
I had my eyes tested by someone who I was told when I sat down in the chair - was a trainee - but don't worry, a fully qualified optician will double check everything.
Turns out the Qualified Optician ran their eyes over the paper work - NOT over my eyes.

Assuming everything had been done properly, I took the prescription to my usual optician, and ordered varifocal glasses and sunglasses.
Right from first day I got them, I knew they were not right..... but I was told varifocals needed getting used to (about my 3rd pair!!)
Eventually MY optician agreed to check my actual eye-sight, compared to the prescription from Spec Savers, as I was still having major problems.
Turned out SS prescription was Nowhere near the correct prescription.
Fortunately MY optician arranged to have new lenses with CORRECT prescription put in the new frames at no extra cost....
But wasted about 2 months of my life trying to save the cost of an eye test.
Not worth it.

I won't be going anywhere near SS again.

I witnessed the same thing hundreds of times and I got the wrong diagnosis myself.... utter disgrace.

You may be better off paying out for a "proper" eye test at an independent place then getting your glasses at a fraction of the price online. "Pupillary distance" is required to allow you to buy glasses anywhere, and chains will either complain intensely or not tell you the result at all, as they're not legally required to. Which means you're essentially required to buy glasses from the same chain you were tested.

So you can do: Cheap test with expensive glasses from that chain, or expensive test at an independent with cheap glasses from anywhere.

Sounds like some people got done by the trainees :stuck_out_tongue:

Luckily I always ask for and get the actual franchisee/owner of my local specsavers who is a top optometrist. Specsavers can often use temps and whatnot, who work odd schedules. If you ask around and get the best person to test your eyes, then request when they are in that particular day to get them to do it. It's perfectly acceptable to do this.

Free anyway in Scotland (once every 2 years) so you can use a 'proper' optician without fear of a big bill.

just to say, my last 2 girlfriends went, and both Specsavers got their prescriptions wrong

Here's how to measure your PD. I've tried a number of ways (including online tests, using photos, a webcam and even special rulers) and they all suck i.e. do the same test twice and I get different results.

*This* method works:

- Wear your glasses. (Or any glasses if you don't have your own. Even just try on demo glasses at the mall if you are that bold.)
- Have a felt-tip maker handy.
- Focus on a single object in the far distance (anything farther than 20 feet works, but farther is better).
- Raise the marker to your right lens and precisely put a dot on it directly over the distant object.
- Repeat for your left eye. If done correctly, with both eyes open the two dots should overlap into a single dot over the distant object. If not repeat making the markings until they do form a single dot.
- Measure the distance between the two dots on your lenses with a millimeter ruler.
That's your distance PD.
If you need a near PD for reading or computer glasses, just do the same procedure but focus instead on the object you will be looking at, either reading material or computer monitor.

The full article is here - http://www.daniellivingston.com/2012/06/measuring-your-own-pupillary-distance.html

I actually use a slight variation; rather than using a dot, I drew a small circle. Or you could use those little hole reinforcement rings that are used with paper in ring binders.

Do yourselves a favour and don't use any optician that has targets to achieve.
There are many people walking around with unnecessary prescription updates which either they or the NHS has paid for.

Choose a good independent

How would one identify such an Optician? By the very nature of the business model (professional fees are shifted from the test to the glasses) every Optician, even Independents, need to sell a certain amount of their wares.

Free is free I suppose, seems many have opinions on who is better or cheaper so have the eye test free then go where you want with the prescription?

I didn't see this!oO

Sounds about right

i got a reminder from Boots. Free eye test if I buy glasses. Got about 7 letters like this then just received one with free eye test with no requirement to buy glasses. So if you want a free boots test just keep ignoring the reminders until they send the freebie.

Free eye tests at Tesco every day as standard. No obligation to buy anything.

Just ask people who wear specs who and how they rate their optician.
Specsavers opticians already have high targets to give new prescriptions. Once you take away the revenue from a private sight test by giving it for free, the only money they have to make is by selling new specs.

Im sure you'll find a good independent is more than happy with what they make out of proffesional fees and genuine dispenses from people who actually need a new prescription.

New rules that came in last year mean that it is whoever dispenses the glasses who sorts out any problems that arise. In the past, it was always whoever had done the prescription. It's worth bearing this in mind when having a sight test in one place and then taking the prescription elsewhere.

Had eye test at specsavers, never again they completely messed up my prescription, rushed my eye test not listening to me properly.
I've gone back to vision express they might not be everyones cup of tea but i find them to be good they take their time during your eye test and double check things with you too.

Think I'm due a test. cheers

Go to Tesco always free and great deals plus clubcard points

Highly recommend goggles4u if buying online. Pretty much have good promotions all the time aswell

A lot of employers are obliged to provide free eye tests if you use display screen equipment as part of your job - however you may find you get a voucher for a national chain anyway.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/faq-dse.htm

I haven't had a problem with specsavers - I had a test a few days ago and the optician was fine and didn't try to sell me new glasses as I didn't need them clinically. The same with my contact lens check - we had already calculated a while back lens mail wasn't economic and I pay for my checks rather than a subscription service. I think it depends on the staff the same with any chain.

I would say I had a terrible time with my local Tesco optician though - like I said, I think it depends on the staff/chain

i took the voucher to Bracknell branch and unfortunately they did not accept it. the voucher code is specific to branch as each and every branch is owned by a different franchisee.

yep, it's £10 there https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/bracknell

I would encourage everyone to check on the website before going to the branch with the voucher.