Counterstory: I went to my local optician for a check-up. He's fourth or fifth generation: Shop's been there, same address, since the eighteen hundreds (and so far, they haven't seen the need to join a chain, or to start one, for that matter). I got the works. Very thorough test of my ocular abilities. Yes, I needed new reading glasses. But no, he didn't really think he would sell me any. "Listen, you'll be fine with some cheap over-the-counter stuff. I haven't really got any in your particular strength - try the bookstore across the street". Me: "Well, in that case, I should pay you for the test". "Nah, don't think about it. Come back when you need real glasses". And you know, I do believe I shall.