WORKING with computers as much as I do, I probably more than most should be making sure I stick to the two-year check-ups.
And, despite the numerous reminders sent through the post, I had put it off for far too long.
It wasn’t so much the fear that I may need glasses (although that is probably why some don’t go as often as they should), my delay was mainly caused by there always being something else to do – work, family days out, going out with friends and so on.
I didn’t really think about it much until I had been met by the greeter at the front of the store – a new addition to the test – and was sat in the waiting room.
The clinical feel you get with many opticians had gone, replaced by a friendlier and more welcoming carpet and softer look.
Director Emma Singh said: “People have been shocked at how it looks now.
“As well as introducing new technology, we also wanted to make it less clinical and more comfortable for people.”
Next was the pre-test which started off with checking my peripheral vision and the general health of the eye.
The first test involved one eye being covered and, after placing my chin on a chin rest and focusing on a red dot in the middle of a screen, green dots appeared randomly to the sides. Each time that happened, I had to press a clicker to let the optical assistant know I had noticed the dot. After that, the other eye was covered instead and the other one was tested. A completely painless process.
The photographing of the back of the eyes saw my chin again on a chin rest while the assistant put a camera up close to each eye and, with a bright flash of light on each eye, I was all done. I was a more apprehensive with that test as I knew what was coming (we’ve all been photographed with a bright flash before but never that close). It does take a few seconds for you to shake off the effects but – in the grand scheme of things and to have peace of mind that your eyes are okay – it seems a small price to pay.
As well as eye ailments such as glaucoma and cataracts, the test can, amazingly, also pick up a host of other conditions that you would never think possible from such a simple procedure – these include diabetes, brain tumours, leukaemia and blood pressure problems.
And, as an added bonus (depending on how squeamish you are), you can also see a picture of the back of your eyeball on the screen if you wish.
Next it was the full test (the one we have all come to know and loathe).
I sat in the chair while director Emma Singh got me to look left, right, up and down as she shone a torch in each eye to carry out further checks on their general health. Once that was completed, it was time for the dreaded reading rows of letters. As I did, whilst wearing those infamous completely unflattering mad scientist style frames, she popped different lenses in, As well as reading the lines, she also asked me which ones made the letters sharper or more blurred.
By the end (about half-an-hour in total), the results were revealed and, thankfully, I was told my eyes were fine.
But, she added, if I noticed my vision getting worse, had any concerns or started getting tired eyes or headaches, it would be a good idea to come back.
If that doesn’t happen, that is that for another two years.
I guess (excuse the pun) we’ll have to wait and see.
• A FUN DAY will be held tomorrow (Saturday) to officially open Droitwich’s new-look Specsavers, St Andrews Square.
Visitors will be able to enter a raffle to win a rugby ball and shirt signed by Droitwich Rugby Club and a balloon-maker will keep the children occupied.
Cash raised will be donated to Ellie’s Fund, a local charity which supports 10-year-old Ellie who has cerebral palsy.</b>
