Eye tests

I hthaave been told eye tests are for free here in Italy.  Is that if your Dr requests an eye test or can you visit your local optician and get a free test ?  Any help appreciated....Happy to pay but how much ?

Only if you book via the GP and get a script and the wait is usually very very long. If you go to the local optician you have to pay.

Thanks Admin, will go see the Dr first...

What a coincidence Angie.
I went to a occulista in Sarnano on Saturday, as was having a little trouble with 1 eye. Cost was Euro 75.00, but was well worth it, as she referred and booked a appointment in Fermo for 9.30 am this morning.
Just had to get a pink form from the doctor, but as he was not on duty, then we used the Guardia Medica to get the paper. If you have a EO1, then make sure that is written on the pink slip.
Occulista is opposite the vet (Henna) in Sarnano if you decide to go that way.

Thanks Geo, That is useful info, OH I think has an EO1 and I think I piggy backed on his in the past...will check and see. I am under 65 with no or little income  As I said I dont mind paying and eyesight is so important.  I know I need new lenses in my glasses due to wear and tear, but maybe not a new presciption, I will investigate.....Thx again....Hope you get on well with your eye stuff....

If you are indeed going to get your glasses/lenses replaced you probably wont have to pay for an eye test if you go to a reputable Opticians that carry out the tests. We've never paid for one at our Opticians and they give you the full works and Glaucoma Test as well (we get ours done every 2 years). Might be worth a trip to look around a few Opticians to see if you can get a free test.

thx Flip, interesting how things differ deepending on the region you live in, perhaps I need to move closer to you !

Angie, although an optometrist or optician can look after many routine problems or needs regarding your eyesight, as suggested by Flip, I would still advise you to go to your GP and get a referral for an ophthalmologist, even if you need to wait for a long time to get an appointment. The ophthalmologist is the specialist who can detect and treat any problems that you may have with your eyes and I would recommend anyone over the age of 50 to get a yearly checkup. I have been doing this for years now, although I still go to an optician if I need a change of glasses, etc. It is particularly important if you suffer from type B diabetes, or similar ailments and anyway, we can get other "nasties" as we grow older.
This article explains very clearly the differences between an optician and an ophthalmologist http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-doctors-optometrists-ophthalmologists