Contact Lenses

[NotDeadYet]

Originally Posted by JasonP

I can't see the multi-national optician chains going bust anytime soon.

Exactly. The big chains have probably contributed to more closures of independant opticians than people buying lenses off the internet ever will. If you think the chains are giving you the best service then compare the time alloted for a full appointment in a chain with an independant practice. Might make you think. And how many are managed by sales people as opposed to being managed by "eye" people?

Supporting them as a local service is a bit like saying let's petition Tesco to start selling dive kit and do air fills.

Cheers,

Stuart

[Mick F]

So Midnight, does this mean you'll actually be able to see me the next time I get tangled up in monofilament and almost drown again

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by Mick F

So Midnight, does this mean you'll actually be able to see me the next time I get tangled up in monofilament and almost drown again

What do you mean I didn't see you!!! I thought you were doing some DIFF dancing!

Midnight

[recurve]

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

Exactly. The big chains have probably contributed to more closures of independant opticians than people buying lenses off the internet ever will. If you think the chains are giving you the best service then compare the time alloted for a full appointment in a chain with an independant practice. Might make you think. And how many are managed by sales people as opposed to being managed by "eye" people?

Supporting them as a local service is a bit like saying let's petition Tesco to start selling dive kit and do air fills.

Cheers,

Stuart

The suggestion WAS a little tongue in cheek guys. But I remain happy with the service I get from MY branch of Specsavers, and the prices I pay for my contact lenses given the level of service that I experience. I have been an eyewear user for about thirty five years and a CL user for about thirty so have experienced a wide range of optical services. Your experiences and perception of value for money may of course differ wildly from mine. I DO hope however, that none of you neglect to have regular eye check ups from whatever optician you choose to grace with your custom, just because you are getting your lenses cheap elsewhere. It can be very easy to let things like that slip over time.

Dive safe, see well.

[Ferg3333]

I always dive wearing cl's unless I am teaching no mask drills in which case I wear a precription mask. But to be honest on my tech courses I have done no mask swims with the lenses in and have not lost one yet. So I guess its your call I have heard of bad reports of incidents with some form of fresh water bacteria.

[sas steve]

Been wearing lenses for over 20 years and only lost one pair in that time,Someone dropped their mask off the side of the dive boat and i jumped in to catch it with my eyes open and no mask on.
I used to wear monthly disposables until my wife came back from a symposium on eye injuries (She's an Ambulance tech) and said get rid of them now and go to dailies.
I get mine from asda's cost a £1 a day which is peanuts for peace of mind and better hygiene. No buying solutions etc.

[ianfirmin]

I started wearing monthly disposable lenses in (I think) 1984. One of the first people in the UK. At the beginning of the month I put them in and at the end of the month I take them out and sleep for one night without them. I only ever touch them twice, once when I put them in and once when I throw them away (see below for exceptions). No mask swims have never been a problem and I always open my eyes under water. Never lost one except having a big splash in the eyes sailing or windsurfing. Pool chlorine is uncomfortable. Always carry spares diving. Never needed them. Always have a proper Optitian checkup every 6 months. Started with AcuVue, then Ciba day and night then Purevision (but didn't like them) so now back to using Ciba day and night.


I've had a few infections over the decades from various sources but keeping the lenses out for a week or so and correct treatment always clears them up. No obvious infections from water. Once had a piston ring break and pierce the lens, actually stuck and sticking out of my eye. The lens was knackered but my eye was fine.

Best thing since sliced bread....

[glenncampbell]

I just use daily disposables from Specsavers and they're fine - never had any ssues losing them on mask clears etc. and no need to worry about maintenance , infections etc. as they're just thrown away after use. Don't know any good local non-chain opticians but after looking through the thread I will look for one now!

[msd dan]

I have used them for years. done about 100 dives with contacts never had a issue with them.

If I could afford it I might try lazer in a few years time....


Dan

[Allan Carr]

I use monthly disposables and my wife uses hard gas permeable lenses because she can't get her prescription in soft lenses. Ours are both varifocal and are not easy to get over the internet. We've both used them for years when diving and have never had any problems.