[Michelle and Richard]

Can I suggest that everyone gets a thorough dental check before they leave. We did but unfortunately Richard broke a tooth that resulted in a bill of $280 they suggested a crown at well over a $1000. I offered to pull it out as that would be less painful than the bill.

Same goes for glasses, we dont wear them but working in an eye department I see (no pun) an lot of people who simply cannot afford glasses. Nobody qualifies for free specs. We recycle old glasses not for the third world as in the UK but for NZ. So get an eye check.

Michelle

[Carol]

we have spent a small fortune on my hubby's teeth here.

I havent actually even had a check up in 8 years.
:oops: :oops: :oops:

I reckon we are spending enough on HIS teeth without mine too!

[eric_amanda]

Hi Michelle

Just out of curiosity, what are you doing in Optics? Eric is in 'the business' (Optometrist).

He has also pointed out how everyone here has to pay for everything, although his comments have been that everyone seems happy to pay and even pay extra for any further tests they may require. They are just pleased to have a good service. Although NZ optics is a completely different ball game in comparison to the UK. People actually respect their optometrist as they do Dr's here in NZ!!!

Amanda

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Amanda

I'm a staff nurse in the eye department and we work with optometrists, many from the UK. You are right everyone does seem to accept that they pay for everything here. I have never been asked how do I claim for....... they just accept that they pay and thats it. I just sometimes worry when we have people coming in whose vision could be improved just by having a pair of glasses but their budget wont stretch to the $300 plus for glasses.

I think generally there is more respect for people , despite long waiting times 4 hours plus in the case of one preson today we get very few compaints.

I havent worked in the NHS for 15 years but to be honest my overall impression is that the care is as good if not better and there is generally much more appreciation of the system. For example evey patient who comes in is seen by or their treatment is approved by a consultant. Not sure how NZ and UK optometry compares.

Michelle