Getting the correct advise is like getting the correctly sized shoes to match the new suit. The problem is that most optical practices operate a staff incentive on sales etc and this can cause staff to sell the most expensive which is normal the best progressive lenses or bifocal lenses or highest of the high index lenses or if you are very unlucky a combination of two of the three. So how do you get the best advice?
Well its simple demand to speak to the DISPENSING OPTICIAN and not a optical assistant, dispensing assistant, clinical optical assistant or a clinical assistant. They all do have some training but mostly only in-store training so not to the same level as the Dispensing Optician.
A Dispensing Optician studies for three years learning the trade. Not only the Optics but the visual optics, ophthalmic lenses, anatomy and communication skills, not sales skills. You will get correct advice according to your prescription, your occupation, hobbies and what you intend to use your spectacles for.
A dispensing optician can also advise you on contact lenses and ocular problems such as ARMD (age related macula degeneration) and Cataracts, Dry eyes, flashes and floaters, Low vision, lighting levels needed for tasks you perform, lazy eyes, and if they can't give you what you need to know they will refer you to somebody who does.
A dispensing optician is more than a fancy title, its knowledge and a professional person who will put your interests first not that of the company that they work for, wither that be a larger high street chain or a small independent practice, a hospital or volunteer center, the patient i.e you come first.
Have a look at the organisations web site http://www.abdo.org.uk/ see for your self.
