Job Discussion Forums

tricia11 · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 25

Hi. I am wondering if anyone has seen an eye doctor while living in Japan as was able to get glasses or contact lenses?

thanks!

Sherri · Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:03 am Post subject:

I just went to a glasses shop in Shinjuku, got tested on the spot and bought my new glasses on the same day. It was easy.
Sherri

Sage · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Iwate no inaka!

I needed an eye test for a drivers license renewal so I went to the place in Hankyu Umeda station. The staff and doctors, while not speaking English, were very friendly and understanding. If you happen to live in the Osaka area I'd definitely recommend that place.

Its on the 2nd floor along the path toward JR Osaka station.

Kimura · Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Toronto, ON

I actually have had some experience with optometrists in Japan. My experience was rather negative, so please don't take this as the yard of optometry in Japan. I believe Sherri offered a positive experience.

As for myself, I went into a few optometry clinics in Shinjuku and all of the refused to give me an eye exam. It's funny because they have this laminated piece of paper with the reasons why they can't accept foreign patients. Anyways, I managed to find one that would accept me. All I wanted was to get a box of contact lenses. The dumb thing about it, is that everytime I want to order a new box I have to get my eyes checked. So I end up paying for the contact lenses AND the optometry fee.

Again, I want to reiterate that this is probably not the norm. I must concede that I was probably taken for a ride, but without the faculty of sight you are pushed into a corner. Hope this helps.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

crazyteacher · Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 34 Location: Tokyo

I had lots of problems with eye doctors in Japan.

Lots of problems with any doctors in japan really.

My advice is to get it all done overseas.

Go for a yearly check up in Bangkok. some nice places there.

Kimura · Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Toronto, ON

JimDunlop2, I apologize for not responding earlier. I had came across this posting and just wanted to share my two cents. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the names of the Optometrists that refused me. This happened over a year ago. Had I been more socially aware I might have taken note. I just assumed that they didn't accept foreign patience because they didn't want to deal with the language barrier. In all fairness I just accepted it as a standard Japanese practice.

Yawarakaijin · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 504 Location: Middle of Nagano

I've gone plenty of times and never had a problem. Once in fact, I was in a rush and asked them if they could just fill a prescription without having to give me the exam. The doctor told me that really he wasn't supposed to but he let it slide. I gave them some personal info, they handed me a month's supply of trial lenses until I could come back a few days later to pick up my order. Easy as pie. This was in Machida. A year later however, they made me take the test.

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

Crazyteacher,

That is one of the dumbest things I've read on this forum. Fly to Bangkok to get an eye test? Or even a physical? Japan has some of the best doctors in the world, including eye doctors. I know for a fact that some of the best specialists, better than in Europe and the US, can be found in Japan. As for getting a presecription, virtually any eye glasses store will do it on the spot - no need for a doctor. I get my eye test done at "Hatch". They've got outlets all over Japan, and their test takes about ten minutes (no appointment needed).