Many optometrists do not enjoy their job. This is sad and I am very glad that I enjoy my eye testing here at Eyeye. One of the main reason I do (and they don’t) is that I have enough time to do my eye tests. I am not up against the clock, knowing there are piles of people waiting outside to be seen. More time means time to look at pictures, discuss test results, compare new with old prescriptions and discuss different options for visual correction during sports and hobbies.

The other reason many of my fellow professionals are miserable is that they are under pressure to sell. To up-sell coatings, additional pairs of specs, hearing tests etc. Not only is it questionable whether this is ethical it is also uses up valuable time, that we’ve already said is pressured.

But, if you test quicker and up-sell then the accountants in the head office overseas somewhere will keep off your back and that is a good thing isn’t it ….

This week we have had 2 people in from 3 of the big high street names saying they felt their prescription was wrong and that their test was rushed. It was nice spending a bit of time with them.

It is about a year since we became a totally independent business. I love the freedom to do things the way we think is right. We treat our customers how we want to be treated when we are consumers. Most of our custom comes from recommendation. We hand pick all our own stock and wear it too (not sure about this model though!).

Working on clinical & communication skills module at Bradford University on Fridays helps me keep up to date too. It also gives me the opportunity to quietly (and politely) point out that there is an alternative to working in a multiple manged by excel by someone thousands of miles away.

Get some specs and get a free refillable/reusable lens spray (organic too!). Bring it back, get a refill, have a chat. Bring it back, get a refill, have a chat ….

When we first had the idea of a refillable bottle for lens cleaning spray we were not sure what was the best thing to do - glass or aluminium container maybe? So, we asked Professor Tony Ryan, director of Sheffield University's Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures for advice. From a Life Cycle Analysis perspective he suggested we should use a robust PET bottle and make sure the labelling was very clear about it being reusable and refillable (Read about PET on Wrap's website here). In addition we have being putting customer name labels on the bottles too - thinking that we are much less likely to throw away something with our name on it!