Condescending and Unhygienic
I had an appointment for an Eye Examination (with NHS entitlement) at the Bexleyheath branch costing £65.00, which I understood included tests extra to a routine NHS exam.
The optician was cordial and seemed to carry out an eye exam with the same elements as I have received at other opticians, although totally under NHS funding. The optician was aware I was a cancer patient in remission.
During the tests at no time did I see the optician sanitise her hands or any piece of equipment even the machine requiring direct contact with the eye area. In fact, I was urged to press my eye nearer. Having had tests for decades I have never witnessed a lack of hygiene on such a level.
After the exam, I saw a dispensing optician but I informed him I already had a new frame at home. Despite this he asked me to choose a frame “like the one I had” and pointlessly made marks on my existing glasses which he later cleaned off. The point of the exercise seemed to be a sale of VisionPlan, a scheme which I later worked out was money losing in my case. I was quoted the cost of a medium quality lens totalling nearly £800. I declined.
On returning home, I sent an email requesting a prescription detailing my recall date and my pupil distance. I received a revised prescription but no PD. I then sent another email to ask for the PD. I then had a phone call from the manager who explained they refused, which I accepted. At this point and due to that condescending call where the manager could clearly hear I was trying to deal with a caller at my door, but persevered, I really felt that I was being treated like some disadvantaged oik who was not their type. Within a day of attending the exam, my eyes were sore but I put this down to the drops that the optician had administered. But then my eyes streamed and I realised there was something a bit more than that, needing medical attention.
I emailed the practice informing them about my reservations on hygiene standards and was then told they were confident that their cleaning protocols were consistently followed. I don’t know how they can be so sure but perhaps they have cameras in every room - I doubt it. On the whole, my Linklaters’ experience was vile, lacking any form of customer service awareness, unhygienic and unpleasant. I will not be returning and I would advise anyone else to avoid.