general public

an radharcmahstoir · Post by **an radharcmahstoir** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:54 pm

I cant help but notice that a few of the general public have found their way onto the forums? While i know nothing can be done about that I am a wee bit worried that they might be getting access to too much info-prices, eye problems ect surely that cant be a good thing?

FB · Post by FB » Thu May 03, 2007 6:57 pm

It is a bit of a shame that we feel censored by what we can say, however I doubt it is possible to have it professional only, I also feel wierd knowing that suppliers are on the site looking at what we have to say!!!!

lad_from_leeds · Post by **lad_from_leeds** » Thu May 03, 2007 7:52 pm

I think it's nice to have people from all walks - suppliers can answer lens/frame/equipment questions. Ophthalmologists can help answer pathology stuff. DOs frames and lenses. Orthoptists muscley stuff. The more points of view the better and it's always good to get outsiders points of view - also it can make you feel clever - not always easy on this site

eagle · Post by **eagle** » Thu May 03, 2007 8:29 pm

I agree that this is not an ideal place to discuss individual cases posed by patients. If this is to be the case then perhaps another section needs to be created although personally I would prefer to avoid this area altogether.

If suppliers, manufacturers, optical bodies et al read and/or contribute to the forum then great.

optom · Post by **optom** » Fri May 04, 2007 9:37 am

i agree there should be a login only section to view certain threads

Post by **theOptom** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:29 pm

an radharcmahstoir wrote:I cant help but notice that a few of the general public have found their way onto the forums? While i know nothing can be done about that I am a wee bit worried that they might be getting access to too much info-prices, eye problems ect surely that cant be a good thing?

I agree, an informed public is not the way forward.

FB wrote:It is a bit of a shame that we feel censored by what we can say, however I doubt it is possible to have it professional only, I also feel wierd knowing that suppliers are on the site looking at what we have to say!!!!

I dont see why, most users are anonymous. Besides, I'm sure suppliers dont mind some honest feedback from time to time.

eagle wrote:I agree that this is not an ideal place to discuss individual cases posed by patients. If this is to be the case then perhaps another section needs to be created although personally I would prefer to avoid this area altogether.

I think discussing px cases is fine as long as no identifying info is used. This is done all the time by lecturers etc.

#####

The only way it could be professional only would be to force users to submit their personal information and perhaps a fee to verify their identity. This is far too much work for very little gain. Not to mention non-professionals in the industry would find it difficult to participate.

My policy at the moment is if a member of the general public posts a simple question that could be answered by their local optician then I will delete it and ban them. This has only happened about twice though (I think).

It could be made tougher to register for those not familiar with the industry by working in some optical questions to complete registration, but anyone persistent enough could get the answer and thus join.

The forum has personal messaging and email facilities so members are free to discuss any issue they want privately.

So all in all, I think it's fine the way it is. Things can always be changed in the future if anything becomes problematic.

Shelby · Post by **Shelby** » Sat May 05, 2007 8:00 pm

If anyone is wondering I am not the "general Public" I did ask if I could post here before I posted anything, I am from the eye world of all things Keratoconus at the highest level

I was going on happily, just like anyone else, and then I had to take a detour drastically!! Now.. the world is a safer place if you have Keratoconus or come across corneas ...let's just say!

Its about bringing down barriers not putting them up, the free flow of information is what the intermet is about, this will always be an Optom board, other board will be something else, there will be cross-boarder synergy happening, no one is an island... yes obviously keep out the spammers...

All in all its about saving the free world from idiots!! (please take in a light-hearted way)

BTW I was asked to pay 270 pounds for a pair of glasses even WITH a 160 pound voucher due to the glasses being a complex prescription. I told the Optician that I have nebver payed that much for any glasses... and only for the frames I liked... then they said they need to talk to their manager (their manger is the optican?!)... and a guy that works their said... that its been reduced to 200 pounds... They made me wait for ages by the way... I said give me the prescription and went to another Opticians... who confirmed that they was a rip-off (in all they wanted £ 330 for a pair of glasses with the voucher). They adviced me to cancel with them... and allowed me to use their phone to do this... when I phoned they said they would do it for £60 (after telling their managing director that I was a good customer... I had never been their before and just knew that it was bull)...when i listened to my voicemail on my mobile they had left me a message to says that they would only charge me £ 170 (which was before I called them)

I am still waiting for my glasses and left 10 pounds as deposit (and the optician was telling me just to pay the full £ 60 now!!) Anyway, they knew I had vision trouble... more than most and was talking advantage... and I suspect they do this sort of thing a lot.

So there are other sides of the story going on...

All the best

an radharcmahstoir · Post by **an radharcmahstoir** » Thu May 10, 2007 6:34 pm

ok sorry i mentioned it!

Shelby · Post by **Shelby** » Wed May 16, 2007 2:30 pm

No worries an radharcmahstoir, I totally understand, as if i was in your shoes I would have posted the same ...and for that matter I'm sure you would have posted the same, in my shoes!

Good to hear your thoughts!

Every good wish