Optical Consumer
Complaints Service
Frequently Asked Questions -
Should I be given my prescription after my sight test?
Yes. The law requires the sight tester to give you either a copy of your prescription, or a statement that you don’t need glasses, immediately following the sight test. In exceptional cases, for example if you are being referred to a hospital, the sight tester need not issue the prescription.
Am I entitled to my contact lens specification?
The contact lens fitter must provide a detailed specification of the contact lenses on completion of the fitting, i.e. when he/she has assessed that the lenses are satisfactory for you. A trial period may be necessary for this assessment. If you feel that there has been too long a delay in the issue of a specification, ask the fitter to explain as there needs to be clinical justification for a prolonged period of assessment.
Can I choose where to buy my glasses/contact lenses?
Yes, but the OCCS has noted that a significant proportion of the complaints received are where the sight test has been at one practice and the glasses made up at a second practice or ordered from a mail order or internet supplier. When there is a problem the difficulty is to determine what is at fault - the prescription or the glasses.
Does the sight tester have to give me my IPD* measurement?
*The IPD (Inter-Pupillary Distance) is the measurement between the centre of the pupils of the two eyes and is one of several measurements that are critical in the correct dispensing of prescriptive glasses.
No, this measurement is not required by the statutory sight-testing regulations. It is a measurement which is taken when glasses are dispensed and may need adjustment depending on your choice of frame and the type of lenses to be supplied. It is for the dispenser, not the sight-tester, to take this measurement and be satisfied that it is correct for your needs.
Can the OCCS get compensation for me?
No, our role is to mediate between you and the optician to try to reach a solution in your dispute that satisfies your contractual rights. The OCCS has no formal powers and if you seek compensation you will need to take formal action through the courts. Our mediation service will not prejudice your legal rights if we are unable to reach a solution that satisfies you.
What is meant by ‘short sight’ and ‘long sight’?
If you have ‘Long sight’ (hypermetropia), it means that you see objects far away in the distance rather than close up for reading. ‘Short sight (myopia) means that you see objects close up rather than in the distance.