Who does the cheapest prescription eye tests?

[Geri]

You can't get a prescription for glasses and then go and order lenses with it - well, you could but they would be the wrong strength as the two are different.

For example, with glasses I am -10.5, with contact lenses -9 or so (it's because the contact lenses are closer to the eye).

 

[Yossarian]

If you work at a computer, isn't your employer obligated to pay for any eye tests you might need?

 

[Guineveretoo]

There are several eye tests.

* There is a standard sight test, which is needed in order to make up spectacles or contact lenses.
* There is also a contact lens test, which checks the health of the eye as well as the sight, and which also measures the shape of the eye, although the latter is rarely necessary when using soft contact lenses.
* Thirdly, there is a test which is available paid for by employers to anyone who uses computers as part of their work (pretty much), regardless of whether or not they wear glasses or lenses, and which checks the muscles of the eyes, and how quickly the eye reacts, rather than checking sight.

 

[Orang Utan]

If you work at a computer, isn't your employer obligated to pay for any eye tests you might need?

Aye. Do you know how often? I last had one paid by work a couple of years ago

 

[Guineveretoo]

Aye. Do you know how often? I last had one paid by work a couple of years ago

Annually.

 

[Orang Utan]

ooh, will get on the case, ta

 

[felixthecat]

I've been wearing contact lenses for 27 years now and yes, the prescription is different. I have a sight test every 2 years, and then a contact lens check yearly. They contact lens guys the standard prescription, make the necessary adjustments to account for the lens sitting ON the eye, not and inch or so IN FRONT of the eye. They'll also check for different base curve, and diameter, eyeball health, how the lenses are sitting etc. Basically, most opticians worth their salt can give you reasonably well fitting lenses from a standard prescription, but you SHOULD be checked for the above on a yearly basis.

If you've got lenses already just ask the opticians for a copy of your lens prescription. They usually do it automatically, and its perfectly normal for someone to want a copy - what if you were travelling for example and needed it in case you lost your lenses?

 

[Geri]

There are several eye tests.

* There is a standard sight test, which is needed in order to make up spectacles or contact lenses.
* There is also a contact lens test, which checks the health of the eye as well as the sight, and which also measures the shape of the eye, although the latter is rarely necessary when using soft contact lenses.
* Thirdly, there is a test which is available paid for by employers to anyone who uses computers as part of their work (pretty much), regardless of whether or not they wear glasses or lenses, and which checks the muscles of the eyes, and how quickly the eye reacts, rather than checking sight.

That may be correct but I've always found that they test your sight and do the other tests at the same time, and one Eyecare voucher pays for it all.