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The review and undercover testing giant Which? has delivered a damning report on opticians around the UK based on service and sales. A staggering 1 in 3 visits ended with a mark or test result of 'poor.' It is also important to state that the review saw researchers visit not only local independent opticians but also retail giants such as Specsavers and Boots. So what was it that Which? found sub-standard?
The review magazine sent undercover secret shoppers around the country visiting 40 optometrists. Out of the reviewers, 1/3 of them also suffered from eye related problems. Many of the complaints covered basic questioning procedures, checking the patients health status and so on as well failing to offer the correct eye remedies, such as lenses and inadequate advice. It is worth highlighting that one researcher was given either poor advice, prescriptions or glasses in 75% of their experiences.
Another cause for complaint was that of 'over eager sales pitches' in cases where researchers were recommended or suggested to buy through misleading claims regarding the patients eye conditions.
Minor problems or irritations were also found to be on the receiving end of minor service, with conditions brushed off as age related or a fact of life when better advice was available but not given. One such researcher was given little time when complaining of watery eyes.
Spectacles Glasses by Debbie Waumsley (Image)