Eye and hearing screening. Is it too close to sales

Recently I had an eye test with a chain , the examination was very thorough and I was told there was little or no change and new glasses weren't needed , I was ushered out with my prescription !

I had my eyes tested at Tesco a year ago. The exam was good and very thorough, but when I came out of the eye test room it was straight into the arms of a salesperson who immediately persuaded me to buy new glasses there and then. I had meant to just take my prescription and find new glasses another day with DD in tow to help me choose. I don't like the glasses I chose! I felt very hassled.

I will have my next eye test there, but I will leave my credit card at home.

I went to a well known chain of opticians. I was happy that the eye test was thorough but disliked the heavy sales tactics. The extras seemed to pile on until it was very expensive.
An optician opened in our local Asda about 18 months ago and I went there. The optician was friendly and I bought two pairs of reading glasses (one of them goes darker in the sun so I can read easily outdoors). The price was reasonable and the service was excellent and very helpful. One of the assistants mended an old pair of sunglasses for me and didn't charge. I didn't feel as though I was under any pressure.

We have used Boots opticians for years now, both have eye tests every 12 months. We have never felt pressured into changing our glasses. Usually change them if they are scratched or worn. (our prescriptions only change slowly)

I use Vision Express but have never been pressured into new glasses although I always expect to be. Last time there was just a little change, not enough to warrant a new prescription but it was suggested that for some very close work I could buy over-the-counter reading glasses. I admit to being surprised.

Hearing tests are another thing. I've had two tests done at High Street opticians and clearly the pressure was to sell me an expensive hearing aid. The first time, several years ago, I went to SpecSavers and was told I had too much ear wax for my ear drum to be visible but despite that I was shown a range of hearing aids. This year I tried Boots and given a very quick test and shown a £900 hearing aid. Instead I went to my local self-referring NHS hearing clinic and within a few weeks had a pair of excellent aids that are almost invisible, very effective and, along with all the extras, totally free.

Yes. I used Vision Express the time before. Only used Tesco last time because I was feeling lazy and wanted to be driven to the door! I am getting 'reminders' now, after barely a year, from Tesco that I should be having another test. I think I will go back to Vision Express.

I have a free eye test every year by an independent Scottish firm. Never felt pressurised. They just say "Were you planning to have new glasses this year?" If I say no they just gove me the prescription and that's that. They send me a reminder when the next annual test is due.

I know that my prescription needs changing, and get the optician to reglaze the frames I have. They were not cheap but looking at their website I see that they can be reglazed up to 6 times. Independant optician

My local optician never pressurises me to have new glasses. I'm on the second year with my present ones. If there's only a minuscule change in my prescription, I'm only too happy to leave it for another year - giving me time to save up for new ones when needed!

Just had a hearing test ( High St one) and they were lovely, no pressure at all , ditto all my sight tests.

Good most people are having a positive experience. I am concerned that a number of NHS services are being taken over by private companies. I am sure they will run them efficiently but in some cases maybe not always in the best interest of the patient.

Whilst waiting, I observed one elderly couple. The lady, from the remarks she was making seemed unconvinced there was a problem, saying I can read the writing on that TV, yet went across to try new glasses. The room was very crowded and it all seemed a bit confusing for them. Coming back at a quieter time with a carer/friend might have helped.

I go to an optician who works on his own and he has never pressurised me- in fact he has said a few times that the change is so miniscule why waste money?