Optometrist vs Optician

[Simbu]

Which should I see? Plenty of opticians in my area, some seem to have optometrists as well as dispensing opticians. Some have only the latter as far as I can tell. I understand they are differeent qualifications. Should I be seeing one over the other? Will one be more expensive? I understand I should be getting an OTC scan included. Can both qualifications do this?

It's hard to find guidance that doesn't sound like sales patter!

I've decided to re-evaluate my approach to my eye health, especially since learning there is a family history of glaucoma to consider. I'm in my late 30s and have moderate (~ -6) myopia and a mild astigmatism in one eye. Historically Specsavers have been 'fine', but perhaps I can do better now?

Interested to hear anyone's views / experiences, thanks.

[Simbu]

Thanks all for the comments and insights. It sounds like I just need to ensure I visit an optician with an OCT scanner for the hereditary glaucoma risk, and that I shouldn't necessarily be concerned about a locum optometrist.

I am planning to find a well-rated local independent; it'll be interesting to compare against Specsavers pricing and quality of service.

[Simbu]

turbomoggie said:

Expect an independent to charge you many times more. They don't have the same footfall but their operating costs still need to be covered. In return they'll be able to give you more time, probably better service and sometimes better quality products.

Lenses seem to be a particular area where the product is different. I've seen independents offering Seiko, Zeiss and Elissor.

I currently have some kind of plastic lense from Specsavers (not sure if polycarbonate or CR39). This has suited me since they're light and tolerant of small kids knocking then off my face occasionally! Will other lenses be glass, or do they also offer a plastic option? Or are glass lenses actually very robust? I have tended to opt for lense thinning too since my prescription is around -6.5.

[Simbu]

I thought I'd provide a bit of closure since this thread started with me giving myself a kick to get my eyes checked.

Good news is that my myopia and astigmatism have changed so little that my contract lense prescription hasn't changed! Considering it's been 5 years I'm happy about that.

Glaucoma tests were done and one eye has a small area of 'red zone' from the OCT scan. Optometrist said not to worry unless there is an appreciable change next year. Otherwise all good.

Less good news is that I seem to have expensive taste in frames! Gone for a Salt pair, and 1.67 Seiko lenses. This visit was a few hundred more than I'd have spent at Specsavers, I reckon. But, I was the only customer in the shop, and the optician spent an hour with me talking through frames and lenses. Completely different standard of service, and it felt like value for money. He also suggested I buy contacts online, since his margin on them was tiny and his pricing uncompetitive. I'll be going back.