Rx For Glasses

[jaideeguy]

Need to get new glasses and wondering if the chain shops 'Choern' [sp?] can be trusted to give an accurate test or should I go to an eye doctor for the test??. It seems that the chain shops use hi tech equipment and I once had the Rx compared with a dr's test and turned out the same.

And another concern is that our vision changes throuout the day and maybe best to test when the eyes are the most fatigued....in the pm??

Any comments??

[phaethon]

I have spent most of my working life in vision research and know my way around an eyeball. I was hideously disappointed by a so-called eye test at Charoen Optical in Times Square, Suk. It was basically just computerized refractometry by some individual whose only qualification appeared to be the ability to put a white coat on the right way round. Unsurprisingly she 'daignosed' that I needed to spend several hundred baht on some 0.5 dioptre specs - absolutely no functional use.

So I popped in Bumrungrad and had a proper eye exam with an ophthalmologist which included an examination of the retina (looking for stacks of problems) and intraocular pressure measurement (mainly for glaucoma). He agreed with me that I didn't need specs yet - but then he wasn't working on commission.

So yes, get a full eye test by someone who knows what they are doing and isn't looking to make (additional) money on the deal.

And don't think this is a Thai thing - I haven't had an eye test in the UK for over 20 years.

[jaideeguy]

can appreciate that the chain eyeglass shops want to sell your product and that they may have poorely trained staff.

Actually, I'm posting on behalf of my Pop......i'm getting my 89 yr old father refitted for a set and know that as we get older, our eyesight [among other things] starts failing. he claims that with his present Rx that his eyes fatigue after 15 minutes and mostly in the afternoon. Is this normal for an [almost] 90 yr old?? So, it seems the right thing to do would be to test when his eye sight is the most fatigued, correct??

He has had cataracs in both eyes and treated in the west.

[Heng]

If you're in Bangkok, Rutnin Eye Hospital a good option.

[Pushit]

Opthalmologist at reputable hospital

[PeaceBlondie]

When I lost my eye at age 22, the eye surgeon said to get the remaining eye checked annually, and that binocular patients should get a full medical eye exam every two years. Surgeons - ophthalmologists - see things that a clerk at the optical shop never heard of. Then take your MD prescription to a grinding shop.

Two good places in Chiang Mai are Ram Hospital (Dr. Rashada) or Sripat clinic on 13th floor, Maharaj.

[jaideeguy]

Thanks for the recomendations....but my original question remains.....When is the best time [of day] to get your tests done?/ when your eyes are fatigued or at rest?/

Me thinks it's maybe like buying a pair of shoes...they say the best time to try on new shoes is when your feet are tired and swolen, as you won't get a too tight fit.

[phaethon]

Actually, I'm posting on behalf of my Pop......i'm getting my 89 yr old father refitted for a set and know that as we get older,

Definately an ophthalmologist then, many systemmic problems show upin the eye that are not directly vision related.

You should take an eye test when you are fresh and alert - that will depend on whether you are a morning or evening or whenever person. Refraction is a measure of the eye's physical optics and you don't want tiredness, lack of concentration and long reaction times to affect that measurement. No amount of refraction will compensate for tiredness but it might lead to over-prescription.

[kaz49]

I recently saw an eye doc as part of an overall medical check up at St Louis Hospital. His english was not real good and preferred to speak Thai. He suggested drops, something about assisting deterioration. I chose not to start any treatment as I am returning to my home country next week but will ensure I see a specialist to ascertain what the problem is, and if necessary commence treatment at home. I also obtained a script for glasses.

Today I went to a shop in MBK, small shop, but good selection of frames and as I have the receipt handy, thought I would post prices for the glasses I paid for, if people might like to do a comparison around town. The guy in the shop insisted I have the free eye test with him also and came up with the same result as the Doctors script. The hospital of course giving a much more thorough medical examination.

Eye Trends, MBK Room 51, Paco Zone 6th Floor, phone (662) 77699-1779, fax 668 1627 5643. Eye glasses ready in 45 mins; progressive lens in 24 hours. Can fax prescription to them if necessary from another country and they will EMS glasses back to you!

[kaz49]

I recently saw an eye doc as part of an overall medical check up at St Louis Hospital. His english was not real good and preferred to speak Thai. He suggested drops, something about assisting deterioration. I chose not to start any treatment as I am returning to my home country next week but will ensure I see a specialist to ascertain what the problem is, and if necessary commence treatment at home. I also obtained a script for glasses.

Today I went to a shop in MBK, small shop, but good selection of frames and as I have the receipt handy, thought I would post prices for the glasses I paid for, if people might like to do a comparison around town. The guy in the shop insisted I have the free eye test with him also and came up with the same result as the Doctors script. The hospital of course giving a much more thorough medical examination.

Eye Trends, MBK Room 51, Paco Zone 6th Floor, phone (662) 77699-1779, fax 668 1627 5643. Eye glasses ready in 45 mins; progressive lens in 24 hours. Can fax prescription to them if necessary from another country and they will EMS glasses back to you!

Decided probably not helpful posting prices as it depends on the brand of course?? duh....