Eye tests

[Daphne]

I recently had an eye test in the center of Perpignan where I was prescribed varalux lenses. I had my sunglasses changed at the same time; I went for the most expensive lenses as I was advised they are easier to adjust to (695 euros). 100 returned from my complementaire and 44 from the social security. I managed to adjust to the close up range but couldn't see through the distance. I went back to the optician (who is excellent by the way) and took my last prescription from specsaver 5 years previously. He advised me to contact the eye specialist immediately as they have an insurance for cases like mine. He squeezed me into a lunchtime appointment, very ungraciously, re tested my sight, adjusted the prescription and stormed out to receive his next patient without even saying goodbye to me!! When I returned to the optician the new prescription was almost identical to my specsaver one, which incidently, I never showed the eye specialist. In a nut shell, my eye sight has hardly changed and I never needed varalux, could just have managed with reading glasses. I have decided that in future I will go back to the UK for a few days and have my eye tested there! It's not the first time I have had problems with eye specialists here!

[martyn94]

"Ophthalmologues" seem to be almost the extreme case of the French exception. They are in very short supply, and correspondingly very highly paid - and in a position to be as surly and slapdash as they choose. I am sure that training to the level of BAC +11 is desirable for some of the things that some of them do. But it is ludicrous (and apparently counter-productive) for straightforward vision testing, which you could learn to do in about a week with modern equipment. And you might even have the time, and grace, to do it carefully.

[jethro]

The Argeles Ophthalmologie Centre cannot give me a date for an eye test before September. There seems to be an excellent eye clinic in Girona. Has anyone used it, and would the Sécu pay out for treatment there ?

[Phip2]

Hi, I've recently had new glasses from Generale-Optique in Cabestany . My prescription had changed but they didn't try to push me to have the more expensive options . * I have had them for about 6 wks now and they're fine . I have a pair for driving/TV and a pair for the computer. I don't have any serious eye problems but I've worn glasses since I was about 12 . I am very pleased with the service from Generale Op ; this is high praise from me as I tend to be a bit over critical . You can book an appointment on line.

* Some years ago in the UK I was 'sold' varifocal glasses but couldn't get used to them; I kept tripping upstairs, yes upstairs not down. I ended up falling and cutting my head (still have scar) . I had been promised that I could have a refund if I couldn't get used to them and so back to the opticians who said it was my fault for running up stairs too fast . Now, I wish I could !

* About 3 years ago here in France my local optician told me that I needed some very expensive bifocals . I made my excuses and left and then off to the UK and Boots . A friend had a similar experience to yours .

[Sue]

I have just had my eyes tested in the Argeles centre. Only had to wait 4 weeks or so for an appointment, possibly because I am diabetic. My eyes had altered slightly and was given a prescription for lens that covered close up, reading, and middle distance, laptop. Took the prescription to Generale d'Optique in the Auchan complex at Perpignan, Porte d,Espagne. Glasses should be ready this week and were reasonably priced for 2 pairs.