Today I went to the opticians for the first time in the nearest town to my rustic village.

I haven’t been since just before the Covid pandemic hit as I always used to visit the opticians when I went to the UK. I have wanted to find a good optician here where I live though because it makes sense just in case I have an emergency.

I arrived and masked up. Here where I live, whilst protective masks are not now obligitory, most shop assistants are wearing them and I was asked to wear one when I made my appointment. I am more than happy to do this and I still wear a mask in a public place.

The optician, had his surgery in an old Italian house and it was all organised perfectly. He had all the latest modern equipment and my appointment lasted an hour in all. I was given a really good examination much longer than I have been used to in a UK highstreet opticians who seem to, very efficiently, whisk me in and out. I even had two sets of drops put in for I don’t know what! All was declared well.

I spoke to him about all of my visual needs and frustrations and I left with two prescriptions one for distance and another for my computer work, reading and crafts. I have been very frustrated just lately because all of my glasses seem too strong for what I need them for and my new found optician confirmed this.

I asked the price and was asked in return if I was paying by debit card. When I said “no” and that I’d be paying in cash, he said that he would give me a discount and 50€ was promptly paid. I know that this guy normally charges upwards of 80€ for an examination.

Opticians like this are not normally dispensing opticians and so I need to take my prescription off to a glasses and contact lens dispenser to get myself my specs. In my case it is at the local jewellers but also there are some very good discount glasses dispensers online.

Now I’m feeling excited to be able to see clearly again and to find my perfect pair of specs!

A quick update on yesterdays yoghurt, it was delicious! It was ready after midnight and even though it was late, I popped the lids onto the pots and put them into the fridge. I always have to save one jar which will be the live yoghurt to make my next batch!