Booking Appointments (Optician)

Find an Optician

First, you'll need to find an optician (or optometrist) for your eye appointment.

• Search Online: You can search for local opticians by typing "opticians near me" or asking for recommendations from family or friends.

• Call Ahead for Special Requirements: If you need any accommodations (like extra time or a quiet room), call ahead to let the optician’s office know about your needs. This will help them be prepared and make the experience more comfortable for you.

Book Your Appointment

Once you’ve selected an optician, you’ll need to book an appointment.

Booking by Phone:

• Prepare Ahead: Write down what you need to say if talking on the phone makes you anxious. For example:

  • Your name, contact information, and reason for booking (e.g., eye test, glasses, etc.).

  • Any special accommodations you may need (e.g., "I have autism and may need extra time" or "I have anxiety and might need breaks during the appointment").

• Ask for a Quiet Time: If noise or crowded spaces cause anxiety, ask if there are times when the office is quieter, such as early mornings or mid-week.

• Confirm the Appointment: Before you finish, confirm the time and date of your appointment.

Booking Online:

• Visit the Optician Website: Most opticians now offer online booking. Choose the day and time that works best for you.

• Provide Your Information: Fill in your details like name, phone number, and any special needs (e.g., "I need extra time" or "I am sensitive to noise").

• Get Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation email or text. Double-check that everything is correct.

Prepare for Your Appointment

Preparation can help reduce anxiety and make the experience smoother.

• Write Down Symptoms or Concerns: If you’ve noticed any problems with your vision (e.g., blurry vision, headaches, difficulty reading), make a note so you can remember to mention them during the appointment.

• Bring Your Previous Glasses or Contact Lenses: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. Also, bring any previous prescriptions if you have them.

• Prepare for Sensory Sensitivities: Optician offices can be busy or brightly lit, which might be overwhelming. Bring items that can help you feel more comfortable, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or a fidget toy.

• Bring a Support Person: If you prefer, bring a trusted family member or friend for support during the appointment.

Arrive at the Optician

When you arrive at the optician, take a moment to calm yourself.

• Check-in at Reception: You’ll need to provide your name and any necessary details, like your contact information and reason for the visit.

• Explain Your Needs: If you have any specific needs (like needing breaks or a quiet space), kindly let the receptionist know.

• Find a Comfortable Spot: If there’s a waiting area, choose a place that feels calming. You can bring a book, music, or something else to distract you if needed.

During the Eye Test

The optician will perform an eye test to check your vision and eye health. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Questions: The optician will ask about your general health and vision history. They might ask questions like:

• "Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?"

• "Have you noticed any changes in your vision?"

• "Do you have any other eye health concerns?"

Visual Acuity Test: This is the "eye chart" test. You will be asked to read letters on a chart while covering one eye at a time.

• If you have trouble reading the letters, don’t worry. Just let the optician know, and they will adjust the test.

Eye Health Check: The optician will check the health of your eyes. They may use bright lights or drops to look at the inside of your eyes.

• If you’re uncomfortable with bright lights, let the optician know. They may be able to adjust the brightness or give you a break.

Other Tests: Depending on your needs, the optician might perform additional tests to check for issues like eye pressure or colour vision.

Choosing Glasses or Contact Lenses (If Needed)

If you need glasses or contact lenses, you’ll be guided through selecting them.

Glasses: The optician will help you choose frames based on your prescription. You can try on different styles, and the optician can help with sizing.

• Tip: If trying on glasses is overwhelming, ask if you can look at options on a computer or have them bring some choices to you.

Contact Lenses: If you need contact lenses, the optician will explain how to insert and remove them. They may give you a trial pair to practice with.

Paying for Your Appointment

After the eye test, the optician will provide you with the results and let you know if you need glasses or any additional treatments.

• Ask About Costs: If you’re worried about costs, ask for a breakdown of the charges before proceeding with glasses or contact lenses.

• Insurance or Discounts: If you have insurance or discounts, make sure to mention them when paying.

Leave the Appointment

Once the appointment is over, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Take your time to leave the office.

• Follow-Up Appointments: If you need to schedule another appointment (like a follow-up or regular check-up) and you feel able to do so, arrange it while you’re there.

• Relax and Recover: After the appointment, take a moment to relax and give yourself time to process everything. It’s okay to feel a bit tired or overwhelmed.

Aftercare and Adjustments

If you’ve received new glasses or contact lenses, follow the aftercare advice the optician gives you.

• Practice with Your Glasses or Contacts: If you’re new to wearing glasses or contacts, start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase the time.

• Follow-Up Care: If you experience any discomfort with your glasses or contacts, or if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the optician's office for advice or to book a follow-up appointment.

Final Thoughts

Booking and attending an optician’s appointment doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps, you can reduce anxiety and feel more confident going into the appointment. Remember to ask for any accommodations you need, take your time, and be patient with yourself throughout the process. You’re doing great!