I need to have my eyes tested annually as my father had Glaucoma. It had been 20 months since my last test and I was beginning to become rather concerned about it. Opticians in Bulgaria do not carry out peripheral sight tests etc and you have to go to a clinic or hospital. The simple and standard pressure tests were carried out almost immediately by the technicians who also operate the reception desk. The system looked a little random but they kept strict control and I was never left waiting apart from the necessary time when the eye drops for dilating my pupils were administered. The general eye test and optic nerve examinations were carried out by a qualified doctor who fortunately spoke good English and everything she did or found was clearly explained to me. The final peripheral testing (or space invaders as I call it) was controlled by a technician who kindly put the spoken settings on English for me but the results were checked and explained by the Doctor herself. The time involved for the whole door to door experience including 30 minutes for the eye drops to work was one hour 20 minutes and the bill at reception was 66 lev or about £27 which for any private clinic is fantastic. I will most certainly be going to Eye Clinic St. Petka again.
I went to this clinic as a Bulgarian friend goes there and recommended it and I needed eye tests fairly urgently so she rang and made an appointment for me. The clinic is situated in back streets above Veliko Tarnovo close to building works and although it looked smart from the outside and the signs clearly visible, I didn't know what I would find when I got inside. The front of the building is not closed in and has good views across the city. The noise of the building works can't be heard when inside, the place was spotlessly clean and cool on a hot day, a coffee vending machine was available just outside the door, there was plenty of seating and also clean toilet facilities available and my first impression was of an efficient, well furnished and rather up-market establishment but their prices are clearly displayed on wall posters so I knew what I was going to have to pay; this was helpful. My treatment at reception was swift and friendly although for me a little scary as my Bulgarian isn't up to scratch yet but they were extremely helpful and patient and everyone made allowances for my stumbling Bulgarian even though most did not speak English. My personal documents for all tests were handed to me when I left so that I have my own record for my eyes; something that didn't always happen in the UK. The only issue for me was no car park but there is plenty of on-street parking all around the clinic.
