There’s something to celebrate at Beter Zien. The eye care shop on the corner of Zeestraat and Laan van Meerdervoort has been around for fifteen years. Born out of the growing demand for specialist eye care, it now offers a wide range of services. From eye tests to blephex treatments for dry eyes, from driving licence medicals to contact lens checks and full optometric examinations.

It’s especially with the latter that Beter Zien sets itself apart in the eye care market. “An optometric exam goes far beyond a standard eye test and helps detect eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy at an early stage,” explains store manager Diana Bakker. “Since July 2020, these examinations have been part of the Hague-based project Zorg in Zicht, which makes this care accessible to everyone living here. When referred by a GP, the exam is fully covered by health insurance. And you won’t have to wait long: within a week you can see one of our optometrists.”

Diana Bakker, store manager of Beter Zien: "We grind all the glasses ourselves. Tailor-made."

Eye problems aren’t necessarily age-related. In fact, vision is deteriorating rapidly among children and young people. Too much screen time? “Several factors play a role – genetics, an unhealthy lifestyle. But yes, screen time definitely has an impact. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your child’s vision. At Beter Zien we have an orthoptist on staff who specialises in diagnosing eye problems in children. For the little ones, we turn an eye test into a game.” When it comes to glasses, Beter Zien has plenty of choice. “We’ve got a big selection of cool kids’ frames.”

Trendier

The days of glasses shame are long gone: spectacles are trendier than ever. “We currently sell more glasses than contact lenses. A pair of specs is no longer just a visual necessity, it’s a true fashion item. I wear glasses myself – not because of a prescription but for the blue light filter in the lenses. It gives my eyes a sense of rest. The more you allow your eyes to relax, the less they squint, the less tired they feel at the end of the day. With the added bonus of fewer crow’s feet.”

Bakker continues: “We grind all lenses ourselves. Made to measure. Shaped to fit the contours of the face. Our customers end up seeing better – and looking better. In our collection you’ll find stylish frames from Tom Ford, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Johnny Loco and Max Mara.”

Finally, Bakker shares a word of caution – and a bit of news. As the first optician in the Netherlands, Beter Zien now has a Chronos refraction system from Topcon Healthcare. “Thanks to this system, we can measure more precisely, more comfortably and much faster. A full eye exam – refractive testing, in technical terms – is done in five to ten minutes. By hand it takes at least twenty minutes.” Has this digital system definitively replaced the old visual charts – the white posters with ever-smaller black rings and a single gap to point out? “We haven’t used paper charts for a long time.”

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The importance of a proper eye test can’t be overstated. “Your eyes are almost never identical. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional eye examination, so that each eye gets exactly the right prescription. At Beter Zien we make sure your vision is as good as it can be.”

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