Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jhuntingtonus]

I am now down to one decent contact lens (I wear them only in my left eye), so need to get some more. I don't have a prescription, so will need an eye exam. How can I find an optometrist? Or is my best bet the local university hospital, which seems to do everything else? And once I have the exam and prescription, will optical stores selling glasses also have contacts?

Thanks...

[Pyxis]

You can actually go into any shop that sells contacts and get the exam done for free. My Korean is fairly limited, but I didn't have a problem either time I've done it. Pretty much any glasses store will also sell contacts.

[waynehead]

Getting an eye exam is optional here. You don't need a prescription to buy contacts or glasses, you can just tell (or show) them what you need. Of course if you'd like to get one, go ahead.

[jomiro]

one advice.
dont just go to an eye glass shop and think the person there is qualified enough to exam your eyes and fit lenses.
they are not!

i went and had both corneas scratched cuz the lenses i was given weren't fitted properly.

you only have two eyes.

i would recommend to see a doctor who can exam your eyes and then gets you the right lenses.
the lenses aren't any more expensive than getting them from an eye glass store. my doctor even waved the his consultation fee when i ordered lenses from him. plus, i didnt have to worry about language problems, as my doctor speaks my native language.

[carleverson]

[curiousaboutkorea]

Yea, the folks there are really not qualified. i got a great pair of glasses,but later went for contacts and were a bust. On the plus side, I went back with my contacts, after already opening 2 (from 2 different boxes since my eyes are different), and they replaces the boxes with the new prescription which was better.

[nomad-ish]

i've gone to a professional-looking eyeglass shop and gotten an exam to update my lens, and i haven't had any problems. i think it depends on where you go. obviously, choose a place that looks more professional. i'd be weary of just going to one of the many tiny places in namdaemun market.

[jhuntingtonus]

Thanks! I went into a Davich Optical, a large chain store, and was fitted for a contact (left eye only - I don't wear one in my right). The prescription is outside of the norm, so they will have the contacts in six days - 40,000 apiece. Will let you know how it works out.