Having decided that the eye surgery was too risky, I forfeited my, not inconsiderable, deposit and withdrew. My aim now is to try and source some contact lenses that I can wear comfortably and glasses that don't require scaffolding to wear without nose fatigue but don't make me look too scary. I'm also looking for advice on managing my dry eyes.
This left me searching the Internet for someone who may be able to help with my eyesight issues. I came across an independent optician that seemed as though they may just be able to help.
I was surprised to find that the optician was actually only a few minutes drive away in Ossett town centre. It was down a street we rarely walk down and maybe even if we had it wouldn't have warranted a second glance.
As a first step I emailed explaining my problems and quickly had a reply saying that they could supply me with thinner lenses for my glasses prescription - something that I was told was technically impossible by several large lens manufacturers - so I made an appointment.
I was told to take along everything I had relating to my eyes so, Martin, the owner/optometrist could get an idea of the present position.
After a long conversation and telephone calls to my previous optician (belonging to a large chain) with requests for information to be faxed across, my prescription was reassessed and found to have changed very little despite being eight weeks without contact lenses. It was decided that this appointment would focus (no pun intended) on sorting out some better glasses and that a second appointment would work on my dry eye problem and contact lenses.
I was then passed to Rachel, the dispensing optician who had already been researching lens options for me. She explained that she could source thinner glass lenses but that ironically because the glass was denser they would be heavier. Another option was blended lenticular lenses in plastic which would be lighter although could look a little strange from certain angles. I decided to give these a try. Rachel rang the manufacturer for advice on the type of frame that would be best and then we chose a frame ( I actually got to choose a frame rather having the choice of two at my previous opticians when my first selection was rejected as unsuitable after being sent to the lens supplier and returned by them).
My new glasses should arrive after Christmas and I have also booked my contact lens/dry eye appointment. Apparently there are lots of different types and materials of lenses so Martin is hoping to find one that suits me and he also specialises in managing dry eyes.
So fingers crossed again - at least this time I was treated like a person rather than the owner of a pair of problem eyes. My appointment actually lasted over two hours.
It will be a while before I find out whether this time things will work out but I think I have found someone who will try the best that they can for me and I can't really ask for more can I?
Hoping to manage a plot visit tomorrow for a much needed harvest. With a bit of luck I can get back to garden blogging before more followers pull the plug on me.
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I'm so happy for you that things are looking up and taking a more positive spin. Took me eight appointments the last time I needed sorting. Our eyes are a very complicated part of our being and we must never take them for granted. Good luck with your contacts and new glasses when they arrive.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah, here's hoping
DeleteI'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. How funny that the opticians you came up with are so close by, that's a stroke of luck.
ReplyDeleteIt was incredible when I looked up the address and it said Ossett, Jo. Another contact lens specialist was in Birmingham but that would have only been contacts, Here they have interests in all areas of eye health.
DeleteBe it a dentist, doctor or optometrist, finding a good one can be a tricky thing. I'm so glad that you have found an optometrist that obviously cares about your situation enough to spend the time researching out the best options for you.
ReplyDeleteMartyn was impressed and is going to change from his optician to them too.
DeleteGood luck Sue, that sounds a lot more promising.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica
DeleteIt's good to hear that Customer Service does still exist in some places! Maybe there is "light at the end of the tunnel" for you now, so to speak!?
ReplyDeleteAs long as the objects in the light are in focus, Mark :-)
DeleteSue that`s good news, except for the dry eye which I have and it`s a devil I have had the tear duct syringed told that the duct is too narrow and may require surgery (no thanks) or that the eye lid is too slack and not in proper contact with they eye...and so on, so I am living with it but will be interested in the outcome with your new optician
ReplyDeleteAt the moment I use a hot eye pad, David which seems ti meet with the optometrist's approval but IU'll let you know what else he suggests. Martyn's cousin had her tear ducts unblocked which seems to have sorted her out.
DeleteThere are so many things that are better from 'the small man' rather than the big organisation.
ReplyDeleteOn a trivial scale we ordered some ham and bacon from our very small village shop and not only did it taste so much better than the supermarket it was much cheaper too.
i think it scandalous that the other lot have kept your deposit when it might have been dangerous to proceed
We shop at a small independent butcher and a greengrocer, Roger and the only problem is that we need twice as long to shop as we have got to know the staff and they are always up for a chat if it isn't busy.
DeleteThey kept the deposit as they said that I would forfeit my deposit if I withdrew rather than them making the decision. If I had gone to see the retinal specialist and he had said definitely not then I would have got the deposit back but would have had to pay £200 for his consultation plus cost of travelling to Manchester and back. If the outcome was to proceed but with extreme caution and I went ahead they would refund the cost of the specialist consultation and include it in my fee.
To be honest though proceed with extreme caution was too much of a rosk from my point of view and my new optician agrees. It's OK someone saying it is worth the risk when it isn't their eyes. I did wonder why when the surgery inly takes 20 minutes why they only do one eye and the other the week after. I did quip to the optometrist was that in case something went drastically wrong and know now wht he made no comment.
It's great to hear that you now have some better news! As others have said, health professionals that take the extra time and the care to meet your needs are so important. Sad you lost the deposit, but you probably did the right thing!
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, I follow you on a reader, so even if there were no posts for a month or 2, new posts would come up whenever.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Anne, lost deposit is better than lost sight!
DeleteHappy Christmas to you too
This is good news indeed! Glad that you found a optician nearby your place! Hope all issues will settle soon! ;)
ReplyDeleteHoping for at least to have an improvement, Malar
DeleteWow! This does all sound wonderful! Just goes to show that's it's worth getting several opinions doesn't it?? I do hope the glasses work out, and how nice to be able to choose the frames!!! Hopefully the dry eyes and contacts will work out down the line too. Great news Sue!xxx
ReplyDeleteIt would be good if it all worked out, Dina but I am trying not to get too optimistic just think case.
DeleteFingers crossed sue! Hehe, that's so true about local independent shopping taking longer - I'm always chatting with our organic greengrocer and whole food shop owner :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lou. Yes shopping at small local shops is a bit like visiting friends isn't it?
DeleteOh now this sounds a step in the right direction Sue. It certainly sounds as of every effort is being made. Will keep fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteI get the feeling that if anything can be sorted out, Anna this optician will do it.
DeleteUpdate:
ReplyDeleteI emailed the company that we're going to do the surgery setting out my case and their head office called today and have said that I am to have my deposit refunded! Well,worth the effort of an email.
It's always good to hear when companies do the right thing.
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