Former police officer complains about cataracts ‘misdiagnosis’ at Specsavers
Neil Frame, of Dereham, who said he was incorrectly diagnosed with cataracts at his local Specsavers branch. Picture: Supplied by Neil Frame - Credit: Archant
A retired police officer has complained to the General Optical Council over what he says was a misdiagnosis of cataracts.
The Specsavers branch in Dereham's High Street. Picture: Google StreetView - Credit: Archant
Neil Frame, of Dereham, said the problem started when he went to his local Specsavers branch in January last year.
An email from the GOC - the statutory body which regulates optometrists and opticians in the UK - sent to Mr Frame confirmed it was looking into the matter.
Mr Frame, 57, said an optician advised him he should have an annual test to monitor his condition, and that an operation might be necessary.
He said he was also told he would need a pair of "anti-glare and reactolite" glasses to protect his eyes, which came to £300.
Mr Frame said: "I was very concerned. I have spent the past year wondering when my sight would have deteriorated enough to have the cataract operation and how long I would have to wait for that operation, unable to drive whilst waiting."
But when Mr Frame returned to Specsavers earlier this month for an annual check-up, a different optician at the branch said he did not, in fact, have cataracts.
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He said: "I am furious with Specsavers. How can two opticians from the same company make opposite decisions?"
Mr Frame said he had reported the situation to the GOC because he was unhappy with Specsavers' response.
A cataract is a clouding of the lense of the eye which can cause a decrease in vision and other problems, including double vision, halos around light and trouble with bright lights.
A Specsavers spokesman said that while they could not discuss the specifics of the case, they did not believe they had failed in the care given to Mr Frame.
The spokesman said: "The store directors have investigated Mr Frame's complaint and are satisfied with the care provided.
"Anti-glare coatings and Reactions lenses are options that are available for all customers and are not specifically recommended for people with cataracts."
Although the GOC told this newspaper it could not "confirm or deny" it was investigating the case, an email Mr Frame received from them on February 20 read: "Thank you for submitting your concerns to the General Optical Council. I am now managing this matter in our triage team."
READ MORE: 'I was speechless' - man says he was wrongly diagnosed with cataracts at Specsavers
