I need glasses

[MickeyD]

Well, I just picked up my glasses, and so far I'm most pleased. Everything is so crisp and clear!

[video=youtube;NkwJ-g0iJ6w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkwJ-g0iJ6w[/video]

 

[Pho3nix]

Medical Aid skimped. Paid in 2k. Decent frames. Shatter-prufing was R1k alone excluding the glare protection.
Picking them up tomorrow so will report back.

 

[Replay]

I had bad service from the Tyger Valley store (and so has my SO and other people I know).

Then you should have said "avoid SpecSavers Tyger Valley"....would be silly since the poster is from Pretoria
Don't generalize....I've moved to Spec Savers after a 20 year run with Tonkil Optometrists in Goodwood....After 3 years I can't say that I've had any bad service or products. I will however start buying contacts online soon.....some good discounts.

As for my specs...brilliant

 

[ubuntu123]

I'm based in Cape Town & have just gone through the process of getting my 1st pair of glasses. My eyes have generally been good, but working with computers all day they have started to deteriorate. I went to see an ophthalmologist, just to check that everything was ok & he also did an eye test & drew up a prescription. I used Mullers in Canal Walk to make up the glasses from the prescription. The glasses didn't feel right & I subsequently heard that it's better to have your prescription drawn up from an optometrist (than an ophthalmologist) because they do it so often. I went back to Mullers, but to the branch in Cape Town city. They were excellent ... they were extremely thorough with the eye test & drew up a new prescription for me. I would highly recommend the Muller's branch in town. I found the Century City branch to be unhelpful, while the ophthalmologist just rushed through my eye test. So if you want a thorough eye test, money well spent, I would recommend Mullers in Cape Town city. The eye examination costs around the same as at Specsavers, R370.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I should probably go for an eye test too. How do you know when you should look at getting glasses? I don't have any issues with my eyes, but then I wouldn't know if there was anything wrong until I found something wrong.

I passed my eye exam when I renewed my license like 2 years ago, don't know how much that counts for though.

 

[ld13]

I subsequently heard that it's better to have your prescription drawn up from an optometrist (than an ophthalmologist) because they do it so often.

Nine times out of ten the script we get from a specialist (ophthalmologist) clearly states something along the lines of 'this is not a final rx, please recheck'. They do not 'care' about the script they get in the end. They eg. use it as an indication that the eyes are now better/worse than before the treatment or operation and that the treatment was thus a success/failure. Thus you might find that some specialist's tests are over before they even began. But this is not the case for all specialists though. Your mileage will vary. Optometrists on the other hand rely 100% on that script and have a vested interest to get it right* to eg. avoid comebacks.

*The script giving you the best VA (best vision) is not always the right script for you. We see people rocking up with scripts that have been made too strong, thereby creating an abnormal deterioration of the eyes over time.

I passed my eye exam when I renewed my license like 2 years ago, don't know how much that counts for though.

Does not count for too much though. But is a start. Do you feel you need to squint or adjust the distance of a paper/magazine when you are reading it at arm's length? Any family history with eye problems/diabetics/high blood pressure?

I'd suggest you go to any optometrist again and get them to do a drivers test for you. Should not cost more than R10, mostly free - even though they charge us for those forms. Then post the results here. We want to be as close as possible to "20/20". This is a basic test and will not show underlying problems!

 

[^^vampire^^]

For anyone in the Roodepoort/Florida area - I've been going to R van Gool in Flora Centre for the last 20 years and I've always been happy with the service and quality. I've only once had an issue with a contact lense which they got another set straight away for me, no questions asked. Not sure how there prices compare to other providers but I'm willing to pay extra because they are excellent.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Does not count for too much though. But is a start. Do you feel you need to squint or adjust the distance of a paper/magazine when you are reading it at arm's length?

Nope.

Any family history with eye problems/diabetics/high blood pressure?

Nope

I'd suggest you go to any optometrist again and get them to do a drivers test for you. Should not cost more than R10, mostly free - even though they charge us for those forms. Then post the results here. We want to be as close as possible to "20/20". This is a basic test and will not show underlying problems!

Thanks, will ask next time I'm at the mall.

 

[tcofran]

Spec Savers in waterkloof is awesome! I have only had happiness there. I never feel like i am walking into a franchise there........

The one in Waterkloof Ridge ??? if so, yes, they are very good

 

[SauRoNZA]

I should probably go for an eye test too. How do you know when you should look at getting glasses? I don't have any issues with my eyes, but then I wouldn't know if there was anything wrong until I found something wrong.

I passed my eye exam when I renewed my license like 2 years ago, don't know how much that counts for though.

Lol.

I've had glasses for 10+ years and also pass that test every time.

You get other issues like astigmatism that affects your vision but doesn't make you blind as such.

Do you have frequent headaches?

If you put a hand over either eye does one see better than the other when reading things like numberplates at a distance?

 

[Pho3nix]

Lol.

I've had glasses for 10+ years and also pass that test every time.

You get other issues like astigmatism that affects your vision but doesn't make you blind as such.

Do you have frequent headaches?

If you put a hand over either eye does one see better than the other when reading things like numberplates at a distance?

Yes :erm:

 

[Pho3nix]

Nine times out of ten the script we get from a specialist (ophthalmologist) clearly states something along the lines of 'this is not a final rx, please recheck'. They do not 'care' about the script they get in the end. They eg. use it as an indication that the eyes are now better/worse than before the treatment or operation and that the treatment was thus a success/failure. Thus you might find that some specialist's tests are over before they even began. But this is not the case for all specialists though. Your mileage will vary. Optometrists on the other hand rely 100% on that script and have a vested interest to get it right* to eg. avoid comebacks.

*The script giving you the best VA (best vision) is not always the right script for you. We see people rocking up with scripts that have been made too strong, thereby creating an abnormal deterioration of the eyes over time.

Issue I'm currently going through. Optemetrist is pleading innocent but my eyes are in worse condition then before.

 

[bokdrol]

Whatever you do, make sure your ocular pressure is also regularly checked. Glaucoma is often undiagnosed and the degeneration is not reversible.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Yes :erm:

Why the erm?

Many people constantly look with both eyes and one compensates for the other so they don't even realise they might have a problem.

When I don't have my glasses on I'm quite fine until I close one eye and realise the other is buggered.

Which is why you get headaches because one eye is doing all the work and the other is trying to catch up to it.

 

[Pitbull]

Lots of Spec places have these buy one get one free promotions. Maybe you and the Mrs go once one is out. 2 for the price of one

 

[DominionZA]

I just got my glasses on Sat. Close vision is all fkd up from many years of staring at screens and not blinking enough (apparently). They only good for the first meter. After that I have to take them off.
One huge plus, is it feels like I just got myself a massive upgrade on quality on my screens. Bonus!
I also understand what they meant by the G3's screen is so vibrant. I just never noticed before.

 

[ld13]

Nope.
Nope
Thanks, will ask next time I'm at the mall.

You are at a lower risk for developing any eye related problems then. Go for that 'drivers' screening every year at the same time of the year (eg. the day after coming back from vacation, so that you are relaxed etc). This will give you a baseline of sorts. This will show out any 'sudden' changes in vision (VA) that you can then follow up with a proper test. A proper test is suggested every 2-3 years in any case, but in cases where you have gone for a test and the results are 100%, this period could be elongated. There are a number of caveats which affect the above statements of course. Eg. Once you hit 40 try to go for a proper test or at least (+1 @bokdrol) go for an eye pressure test. No medical aid pays* for this test. It is such a cheap test and it is quite sad that the only medical aid that actively encourages their members to go for this test, is Discovery health via their Vitality scheme. They are starting to realize that prevention will cost them far less in the long run. The idea is to follow up a year later to compare results. A sudden change in this result points out underlying problems that need to be rectified asap. If you can find an optometrist that uses an instrument that takes measurements directly on the eye instead of an instrument that blows air/spits, then you are also likely to get somewhat more accurate results.

*Unless you have an option with available savings - they basically allow you to purchase 'anything' with that.

If you put a hand over either eye does one see better than the other when reading things like numberplates at a distance?

Yes :erm:

Perfectly normal for the two eyes to not be identical.

Issue I'm currently going through. Optemetrist is pleading innocent but my eyes are in worse condition then before.

Might be a simple case of your eyesight actually worsening. But unfortunately we see the other side of the coin too regularly. The blame for this can fall on quite a few shoulders though. Some optometrists just pop on lenses till you are happy and forget to do certain things that they are supposed to. Some leave it to a machine to work out the 'correct' script for them *cough* ha. Other times it is simply a mismatch between what the px want and what the px needs.

Had a case earlier in the year of a small boy that is wearing eg a -10 rx. We test his eyes and find that it is supposed to be eg. -4 rather. We adjusted the script to a point in-between the wrong script and the more correct script to allow his eyes to adjust over the next year and a bit. At that stage we would then be able to give him something closer to eg. the original result we got. His mom decides to take him for some free specs somewhere, he pops them on and "suddenly" he could see. I take the glasses, check the script .... -11

 

[Pho3nix]

You are at a lower risk for developing any eye related problems then. Go for that 'drivers' screening every year at the same time of the year (eg. the day after coming back from vacation, so that you are relaxed etc). This will give you a baseline of sorts. This will show out any 'sudden' changes in vision (VA) that you can then follow up with a proper test. A proper test is suggested every 2-3 years in any case, but in cases where you have gone for a test and the results are 100%, this period could be elongated. There are a number of caveats which affect the above statements of course. Eg. Once you hit 40 try to go for a proper test or at least (+1 @bokdrol) go for an eye pressure test. No medical aid pays* for this test. It is such a cheap test and it is quite sad that the only medical aid that actively encourages their members to go for this test, is Discovery health via their Vitality scheme. They are starting to realize that prevention will cost them far less in the long run. The idea is to follow up a year later to compare results. A sudden change in this result points out underlying problems that need to be rectified asap. If you can find an optometrist that uses an instrument that takes measurements directly on the eye instead of an instrument that blows air/spits, then you are also likely to get somewhat more accurate results.

*Unless you have an option with available savings - they basically allow you to purchase 'anything' with that.



Perfectly normal for the two eyes to not be identical.



Might be a simple case of your eyesight actually worsening. But unfortunately we see the other side of the coin too regularly. The blame for this can fall on quite a few shoulders though. Some optometrists just pop on lenses till you are happy and forget to do certain things that they are supposed to. Some leave it to a machine to work out the 'correct' script for them *cough* ha. Other times it is simply a mismatch between what the px want and what the px needs.

Had a case earlier in the year of a small boy that is wearing eg a -10 rx. We test his eyes and find that it is supposed to be eg. -4 rather. We adjusted the script to a point in-between the wrong script and the more correct script to allow his eyes to adjust over the next year and a bit. At that stage we would then be able to give him something closer to eg. the original result we got. His mom decides to take him for some free specs somewhere, he pops them on and "suddenly" he could see. I take the glasses, check the script .... -11 View attachment 169965

Just for interests sake, who would you recommend in JHB. Fathers doc has said I should go through but think it's too early for a specialist( ophthalmologist ).

 

[ld13]

Just for interests sake, who would you recommend in JHB. Fathers doc has said I should go through but think it's too early for a specialist( ophthalmologist ).

I have no specific names for you unfortunately. Optometrists went from being like that 'one and only dentist that you go to', to six of one, half a dozen of the other between the lot of them - they are all over the place these days. You need to find someone that is conveniently located, have acceptable prices and gives you the level of service that you are happy with. Going to a specialist to have your eyes tested is going to cost a pretty penny ... although I must find out what the going rates are these days. Thus an eye test at an optometrist should work out cheaper.

So ask around between your friends and feel free to phone up some of the recommendations. Also feel free to pepper your optometrist with questions while he is busy with the test. Get him to explain what he is doing and why etc etc. Will give you some indication of the type of person you are working with.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Y



Perfectly normal for the two eyes to not be identical.

Yeah sure I don't mean they should be identical.

Just that it should present quite easily especially in the case of astigmatism like I have,

Both eyes open I've got pretty decent vision, one eye only I basically can't read any numbers.