Quality of eye tests is shocking, say experts

BRITAIN’S biggest opticians are prescribing the wrong glasses and failing to spot serious eye conditions, new research suggests.

A study by consumer group Which? rated almost half of tests as “poor” or “very poor” and found that some resulted in nonsensical or dangerous prescriptions being issued, which experts branded “shocking”.

Researchers posing as customers had eye tests at branches of some of the biggest opticians chains, including Specsavers, Boots and Vision Express, as well as some smaller chains and independents.

The results were assessed by a panel of experts who checked whether the optician took an adequate patient medical history, how accurate the prescription was and the quality of the diagnostic tests. Prior to each visit, the researchers, all aged over 40, were given a thorough eye examination by two expert opticians.

Each appointment was then given a rating from “very poor” to “excellent”.

Of the 30 appointments, two out of five were rated as either “poor” or “very poor”.

Only one was deemed “excellent”, which was an independent optician.

A test in Asda was rated very poor after the customer was left with a “nonsensical” prescription, which the experts said could not be used to make a pair of glasses.

A “very poor” visit to Vision Express also resulted in potentially unsafe glasses that failed to correct double vision. Another researcher was offered a prescription at Optical Express which was labelled “shocking” as it would have affected their distance vision, making it dangerous for them to drive.

Some optometrists failed to warn patients about eye problems that could lead to more serious conditions.

Richard Headland, Which? magazine editor, said: “Our research, while only a snapshot, shows some shocking findings including too many instances of inaccurate prescriptions, inconsistent advice and failure to provide the correct eye tests.”

The firms involved said they would take the feedback seriously and address any issues. Vision Express said it “deeply regretted” if its high standards had fallen short while Asda said it did not feel the study reflected standards across the board.