Free Eye Test

[ivagoldfish]

Latest Tesco magazine (free in-store) has voucher for free eye test (worth £20) at Dollond & Aitchison.

Insert by Martin

This is a great spot. The voucher's valid until 31 March. It's always good to check out your eyesight. The one thing to be careful of is if you have a problem you don't automatically opt for Dollond & Aitchison to be your optician (which is of course the reason it does it).

This free eye test also works in conjunction with the following articles Cut the cost of contact lenses (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1081710634,17595,) or Glasses Buying (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1134472921,56555,). Of course remember aftercare is extremely important, don't skip on it!

[jan59]

When I went to the optician, I was asked if my parents had suffered from glaucoma. My dad had, so I said yes. I was told that I would get a free eye test as a result.

I wasn't aware of this! But now you are.

[nikki02]

When I went to the optician, I was asked if my parents had suffered from glaucoma. My dad had, so I said yes. I was told that I would get a free eye test as a result.

I wasn't aware of this! But now you are.

Yep you're right Jan, but only if youre over 40. ( I work for an opticians!!)

eta: you'll get a free test every year!

[jan59]

Yep you're right Jan, but only if youre over 40. ( I work for an opticians!!)

eta: you'll get a free test every year!

Ohmigod, I've given my age away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[golddustmedia]

Additionally if you work with computer screens (VDU's) for more than 4 hours per day your employer has a legal obligation to meet the cost of your eye test.
I think that qualifies just about every office worker in the country and many more...

I've not had to pay for an eye test since I started working 10 years ago. If your HR dept is "not sure" remind them they get the good end of the deal; They pay the £20 test fee and you pay the £200 glasses cost!

[RichCowell]

Additionally if you work with computer screens (VDU's) for more than 4 hours per day your employer has a legal obligation to meet the cost of your eye test.
I think that qualifies just about every office worker in the country and many more...

Is this documented officially anywhere?

I'm a network manager, and I spend about 7 hours a day in front of a monitor, I was about to book an appointment for Saturday, but I'll wait until I know more about this.

Rick

[woollyjumper]

I use the Government web site to see what I supposed to get whether it be employees or the government..
http://www.direct.gov.uk
Type eye test in the search box at the top and all the relevant information can be found.

cheers

[Peakers]

Check out the following link to the HSE website - all the info you need
should be there !!

http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/16-1.htm

[MuckyMark]

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and associated Approved Code of Practice came into force on the 1st January 1993, The Regulations apply where staff habitually uses Visual display units (VDUs) as a significant part of their normal work. Take a look at http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/sitemap/business/cdhs_health_and_safety/cdhs_faqs/cdhs_faq_free_eye_test.htm

[RichCowell]

Thanks all

Got the info I needed :)

It's a school I work for, so I'm sure there's not going to be a problem with it.

Thanks again

Rick

[rbelcham]

This free eye test also works in conjunction with the following articles Cut the cost of contact lenses (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1081710634,17595,) or Glasses Buying (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1134472921,56555,). Of course remember aftercare is extremely important, don't skip on it!

Got my glasses this week through www.glassesdirect.co.uk for £15 and they're fantastic! Thanks to MSE I've saved hundreds of pounds. Don't bother buying glasses on the high street unless you have to. They're not worth it! :j

[hencot]

Latest Tesco magazine (free in-store) has voucher for free eye test (worth £20) at Dollond & Aitchison.

Insert by Martin

This is a great spot. The voucher's valid until 31 March. It's always good to check out your eyesight. The one thing to be careful of is if you have a problem you don't automatically opt for Dollond & Aitchison to be your optician (which is of course the reason it does it).

This free eye test also works in conjunction with the following articles Cut the cost of contact lenses (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1081710634,17595,) or Glasses Buying (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1134472921,56555,). Of course remember aftercare is extremely important, don't skip on it!
If you take advantage of this "free eye test" do Dollond & Aitchinson provide a prescription for glasses that you can take to any optician or are you obliged to buy from them

[chiny]

CostCo are also doing free eye tests - I think until 31 Jan. You need a voucher which is being sent to some members, although there are many instore.

CostCo might not be the obvious place for an eye test but they look (to the average punter like me) well set up with all the latest gizmos and provide top quality lenses (I always go for a high-spec make). I price-checked against my local high street optician and SpecSavers - CostCo much cheaper for my requirements.

Possibly the use of over-attractive, underclad staff is slightly less than professional but otherwise no issues.

--
Chiny

[moneyandmountains]

It sounds like you already wear glasses.
However, if you work with a VDU and only need glasses for that work, then your employer is legally obliged to meet the costs of basic glasses + frames.

e.g. I don't need glasses to drive, read etc. but wear them for VDU use as I have slight astigmatism.

Many companies operate what is called VDU screening, often carried out in house. This is normally used as a cheap screening method, before recommending an eye test. However, this is not the same as the eye test they are legally obliged to provide.

A company may specify what optician you use though, if it is footing the bill.

[lindseyvb]

I went for an eye test last night at D&A....printed off some vouchers from their website which included a free eye test and an additional £25 off you glasses.
In the end I got a great deal.
They also have a deal where if you sign up to a contact lense trial the will take another 50% off your glasses.
So all in all I saved £260.00 only paying £155 for designer glasses, designer sunglasses and contacts...if I want to keep the contacts then I pay monthly about £11.00 per month.
Bargain.

[sashanut]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone know the answer to my contact lens question please? My daughter (age 15) wears contacts & we have been paying Specsavers a monthly fee for these. Read the MSE tips & tried to register her with Tesco opticians but no luck - they told me that under age 16 you HAVE to stay with the opticians who provide the prescription even though Specsavers says she doesn't need another eye test for a year. The way round it would be to go to Tesco opticians & have an eye test - sadly the nearest ones in the North are Cleethorpes & Middlesborough!! Does anyone know if it is the case that you have to stay with them if you are aged under 16?

TIA if anyone can help!

Mimi

[Savvy_Sue]

If you take advantage of this "free eye test" do Dollond & Aitchinson provide a prescription for glasses that you can take to any optician or are you obliged to buy from themAFAIK the optician is obliged to give you a copy of your prescription so that you can take it anywhere to get the glasses made up. I've been being given one for me and my lads for years now, because we don't actually need glasses but they still have to give us the prescription! (Well, I say that, I can't read without them unless the light's very good and the print's large enough, but then my arms have shrunk quite a lot. Yes, I too am giving away my age!)

[Donaldiesel]

D&A advised me to have retest in Dec 05. When they told me it would cost £25 I cancelled the appointment. I figured that they would probably have a better deal in Jan. Glad I did, especially now I hear that the normal price is £20. Caviat Emptor.

[freebie_junkie]

theres a 20% off glasses voucher in there too for D&A

but some of Specsavers give you a £30 credit on glasses if you bring in another opticians prescription :)

[hmaffin]

My boyfriend used a D&A voucher from a magazine last year to have a free eye test. He said they were very pleasant and it was a very thorough examination. They gave him a clean bill of eye health and there seemed to be no pressure to sign up or anything. However since then he has had a LOT of mail from them offering him things and most recently got a voucher for a half price eye test (so about £10) as it's been a year since the first.

Be careful because I have seen these vouchers for free eye tests there but in the small print it says only if you then purchase glasses from them. (Not very useful if they pronounce you have 20/20 vision really!)

Helen

[alterego]

...They pay the £20 test fee and you pay the £200 glasses cost!

I seem to recall that Martin had a link recently to suppliers on the web whose prices for glasses started at about £15. Just illustrates the mark-up in the high street...

[bti-uk@msn.com]

The receptionist at the opticians should ask you whether there is any history of glucoma in the family. If you answer yes, saying that your deceased father had it. they have to give you a free test anyway.Latest Tesco magazine (free in-store) has voucher for free eyeNo need for all that, the optometrist's receptionist should ask you whether any of your family have had glucoma. I always say my father had it. (He didn't, but there is no way they can or do bother to check it). Because of the increased genetic risk, you are entitled to a free chck anyway. test (worth £20) at Dollond & Aitchison.

Insert by Martin

This is a great spot. The voucher's valid until 31 March. It's always good to check out your eyesight. The one thing to be careful of is if you have a problem you don't automatically opt for Dollond & Aitchison to be your optician (which is of course the reason it does it).

This free eye test also works in conjunction with the following articles Cut the cost of contact lenses (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1081710634,17595,) or Glasses Buying (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1134472921,56555,). Of course remember aftercare is extremely important, don't skip on it!

[ruxton28]

Additionally if you work with computer screens (VDU's) for more than 4 hours per day your employer has a legal obligation to meet the cost of your eye test.
I think that qualifies just about every office worker in the country and many more...

I've not had to pay for an eye test since I started working 10 years ago. If your HR dept is "not sure" remind them they get the good end of the deal; They pay the £20 test fee and you pay the £200 glasses cost!

You only get a very basic test to see whether your vision from eye position to VDU screen is OK. You still need a proper test in an optician. I go to Tescos every two years and its a tenner which is cheap enough

[marcus]

Good Advice again, thanks. Irrespective of any offers given by any optometrist/optician, from April 1st (not a hoax) 2006, any individual of any age or with any medical condition will be entitled to a FREE eye test in Scotland (not sure about any other countries). Said optometrists will be making claims to NHS and you are not restricted to give any subsequent business to the testing optometrist.

[Evesman]

A good friend of my is an opthalmic optician (i.e he makes the lenses up from your prescription) and he says that an increasing number of prescriptions are unreadable. He thinks that this is due to the fact that the 'in house' optician realises you aren't going to buy your new glases from them, so they deliberately put on their best 'doctors' handwriting!

Please check that your prescription is legible before leaving the shop. :cool:

[skinflintt]

Just a couple of points after reading the thread (I'm an Optician)

An Ophthalmic Optician is the person who tests your eyes. Our professional bodies favour moving over to using the American term "Optometrist" but the two things mean exactly the same.

To say that one seller provdes specs at £15 and another at £200 shows the high street markup is the same as arguing that a Kia at £5000 and a Porsche at £50000 demonstrates the markup on cars. Quality and style vary with price, as with most things in life I'm afraid.



The receptionist at the opticians should ask you whether there is any history of glaucoma in the family. If you answer yes, saying that your deceased father had it, they have to give you a free test anyway.

Ooh now there's a thing. See you're right in that you would almost certainly get away with this but the test is not "FREE", it is paid for by the NHS, i.e. the taxpayer, so you are actually committing fraud and if found out could be prosecuted. You are also stealing money from the taxpayer, in other words, all of us. Not my job to police morals so your call..........

I don't begrudge people saving money and I hate the rip off merchants that are left in optics as much as the next man, but a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I, and several other Opticians on here I should imagine, would be quite happy to give unbiassed professional advice to anyone who wants it without insisting you buy anything :rotfl:

[trumpet]

Are all eye tests from these opticions the same ie just reading letters on a board or do they do other tests on the eyes as well.
Its not that i suspect a problem with my eyesight but i am years overdue for a test and would like to make sure i have a thorough check on them.

[skinflintt]

There are two main elements to a sight test, examining the health of your eyes (and while we're at it, getting a snapshot of other possible health probs you may not know about) and finding out your standard of vison and whether you need correction. All Opticians should give you an eye examination of the same standard as we all have to sit the same professional exams and demonstrate our competence to examiners, as well as continuing education and training. Obviously, as with most professions involving subjective opinion, different Opticians may come up with slightly different answers and there sometimes is no black and white answer. If you have difficulties come and tell us and we will do what we can to tailor our care to your needs. Checking the standard of your vison and establishing any correction needed can be done by various means including letters on a chart or screen, looking into a machine which will measure the error in your eyes optical system and shining a light in your eyes while holding a lens in front of them. Usually you will find a combination of these methods used. The health of your eyes is examined by shining a bright light into your eyes and looking at the inside and outside of them with powerful magnifying equipment. You may also have your field of vison measured by looking into a machine which will flash little lights at different places around the point you are focussing on and the pressures in your eyes checked by firing a little puff of air at them. This is often called a glaucoma test by the public which is not strictly true, but it does give us an indication.


Here's a link that gives the info in a much clearer way than I can
http://www.college-optometrists.org/index.aspx/pcms/site.Public_Related_Links.Public_Related_Links_Hom e/

Oh and by the way, it's no conspiracy, our writing is really that bad. Don't despair though, we're going computerised soon :rolleyes:
HTH

[ashby]

www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/voucher

This voucher specifies that it is not necessary to purchase glasses.

[Exceller8]

Just a little note to let you know that if you are quick and have a hotmail account D&A optitions has voucher for free eye test (worth £20) at Dollond & Aitchison +£25 off a spend of £150 & £50 off a spend of £250 nationwide for a limited time approx 9 hours left just click print and phone for an appointment valid til march 05 hope this helps advert next to inbox on right

[sashacat]

thanks ivagoldfish, I have just picked up 4 mags...free eye test for each of the family

[Edna_Bucket]

www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/voucher

This voucher specifies that it is not necessary to purchase glasses.

That link doesn't seem to work?

Here is a link that should - no need to pick up the Tesco mag, just click on the free eyetest area and print off the voucher from the next screen:

http://www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/detail.asp?campaign=1304

[colmil]

I went for an eyesight test over a year ago, I was diagnosed with 'Retinitis Pigmentosa' known as tunnel vision.

I have now had my licence revoked, (having driven over a MILLION miles during my lifetime)

My business is at an end, as is my social life.

I would not recommend anyone to take an eye test, just buy some cheap specs from Wilkinsons or somewhere, otherwise you might end up a total wreck like me.

Once the DVLA get you, you have no chance.

[AMILLIONDOLLARS]

Just bought February's Issue of Gardeners World, inside there is a voucher for
£50 off Glasses plus a Free Eye Test with Dollond & Aitchison. Its states only one voucher per order, which must be surrendered at the time of purchase, plus glasses offers are only valid when you spend £199 or more on a complete pair of Glasses. Voucher valid until 26/04/2006

Now booking my appointment today!!!!

[identitymismatch]

I would not recommend anyone to take an eye test, just buy some cheap specs from Wilkinsons or somewhere, otherwise you might end up a total wreck like me.


I really am sorry that this has happened to you, but think of an alternative scenario. An eye test can discover conditions that left untreated can easily cause blindness. If you don't get your eyes tested you might miss out on the chance to keep your eyesight.

Everyone - DO get your eyes tested regularly.

I've mentioned this sort of thing before in this thread [EDIT: no, I haven't, I just thought I had - sorry!], but for those of you who only believe what you read in the newspapers, here's a link to BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4641072.stm
"Warning on 'needless' sight loss"

[Ace]

nice one thanks!

[Katrina537]

Thanks for tip about Tesco magazine voucher..just in time to get one...then when I looked up D & A in yellow pages the advert states;

"simply..call in..& menion that you found us in yellow pages & we'll give you a free eye test"

So if you miss the Tesco mag voucher..try it !!

Page 972 of 2005 / 06 Glasgow South yellow pages (bottom of page) I guess D & A may have placed similar ads in other areas

" Let your fingers do the walking " :j

[MORPH3US]

Looks like I missed the magazine and the voucher.

Would any kind sole like to top up their good karma and post me a voucher if you don't need it?!?! Will even paypal you 30p for the stamp if you want!

Thanks

M

[dawnlatham]

Well I missed out on the free eye test but fortunately didn't pay the Dolland & Aitchison prices for my new reading glasses. I was encouraged to buy the 'basic' reading glasses for around £150 despite the assurance of the optician that my eyesight is currently 'border-line' and I only need to use glasses if my eyes are tired, light is poor etc. Having shopped around I have now purchased prescription glasses from www.glassesdirect.co.uk which have cost me £17.50 including p&p and a hard case & cleaning cloth. I had loads of fun choosing lenses with the interactive 'try on line' service which allows you to try glasses on any photo you have saved on your computer - this worked much better than I thought it would. My husband has been totally converted and is just about to order glasses for himself. Now I realise what a rip off optician's prices are I'm telling as many people as possible to try this site.

[terencebeech]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone know the answer to my contact lens question please? My daughter (age 15) wears contacts & we have been paying Specsavers a monthly fee for these. Read the MSE tips & tried to register her with Tesco opticians but no luck - they told me that under age 16 you HAVE to stay with the opticians who provide the prescription even though Specsavers says she doesn't need another eye test for a year. The way round it would be to go to Tesco opticians & have an eye test - sadly the nearest ones in the North are Cleethorpes & Middlesborough!! Does anyone know if it is the case that you have to stay with them if you are aged under 16?

TIA if anyone can help!

Mimi try AC LENS.COM told a friend who was paying £25 a month to specsavers now she pays £56 for 6 months supply
good luck

[peaspaw]

Am I missing something here, or am I just thick as well as peaspaw !
I was paying £25 a month for contacts and solutions from my optician, including free eye tests, six monthly. I now use specsavers, £7 a month, annual test £15 I think. How can I save on this. Discounters seem more expensive.:confused:

[skinflintt]

I went for an eyesight test over a year ago, I was diagnosed with 'Retinitis Pigmentosa' known as tunnel vision.

I have now had my licence revoked, (having driven over a MILLION miles during my lifetime)

My business is at an end, as is my social life.

I would not recommend anyone to take an eye test, just buy some cheap specs from Wilkinsons or somewhere, otherwise you might end up a total wreck like me.

Once the DVLA get you, you have no chance.

Im absolutely stunned and had to read your post 3 times before I believed that you were serious.

It is truly an awful thing that has happened to you and I have every sympathy but surely you are not saying that you should be allowed to drive despite being a severe danger to other road users? I hope your reaction is just shock and that you no longer take this incredibly selfish attitude. What about when (Im not even using the word "if" here) you cause an accident and injure or kill someone? How many lives would be ruined then?

Many people here would be horrified about how many people we see that cannot see properly to drive or that refuse to wear their glasses for driving. Unfortunately it is left to the person concerned whether they notify the DVLA if their sight is poor (though their insurance will be invalid if they get caught and they will be prosecuted) and the roads are full of these selfish lunatics. Next time anyone has an accident that wasnt their fault and the other person says they didnt see them - they mean mean "cant see them". Food for thought and worth checking with the police

Rant over, sorry to all those who wouldnt dream of doing this.

By the way, Im not illiterate but my apostrophe key doesnt seem to be working :o

[spoooky]

If anyone has a free unwanted eye test voucher that needs a home, please pm me, I will gladly pay for any p+p costs :)

[aurora borealis]

Does anyone have any free eye test info please?

[Edna_Bucket]

the D&A free campaign has just ended - I can only see a half price one at present:

http://www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/voucher.asp?campaign=58

Based on previous experience and if you've got a bit of patience, if you change that number at the end on the URL you might find a free one!!!

[Edna_Bucket]

The free one expired yesterday - might be worth keeping an eye on the link though to see if they update it:

http://www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/voucher.asp?campaign=1868

[fazila12345]

:mad:

I can not believe that buying glasses in this manner is advocated. Although considered as purely a money making scheme, glasses as well as contact lenses are in fact medical devices necessary for some to obtain good vision. I'm disgusted that members of the general public are willing to pay over £300 for a mobile phone, or £100 for a pair of jeans, yet consider the cost of glasses extortion!

A lens has prescription because it is bent. For this reason, the 'best' vision is obtained through the optical centre which must be centred correctly. For some people with a low prescription, incorrect centration may not cause such a devastating effect. However, most will experience headache and eyestrain.

I have been on the glassesdirect website and it made me laugh to find that the PD is set to 63 for all patients! The PD varies from 50 to 70 and directly influences the optics of the lenses, as well as many other factors which are not considered by this site. :rotfl:

Sub standard lenses are being sold- you get what you pay for.

The price you pay at the opticians is not only for the cost of proucing the frame and lenses, you are also paying for the expert advise of the dispensing optcian who has done a degree to provide you with the correct lenses and frames for your individual prescription and requirements.

I work as a dispensing optician at D&A so if anyone wants good quality spec's we can help you :A

[Princessa]

I went for an eyesight test over a year ago, I was diagnosed with 'Retinitis Pigmentosa' known as tunnel vision.

I have now had my licence revoked, (having driven over a MILLION miles during my lifetime)

My business is at an end, as is my social life.

I would not recommend anyone to take an eye test, just buy some cheap specs from Wilkinsons or somewhere, otherwise you might end up a total wreck like me.

Once the DVLA get you, you have no chance.


Hmm, end up a wreck with no social life, or a wreck because you feel so guilty after driving when you shouldn't and killing a car full of kids. I know which wreck I'd rather be.

[choolstuff]

You are also entitled to a free eye test if you have a compound lens, I get one because my left eye is over + (or is it -. I can never remember) 10. Your optician should tell you. You also get a bit towards your glasses or contacts, mine was about £12 last time. Not a lot but it helps.
I never know whether to be pleased I am saving money or depressed because my sight is so bad!!!

[Stiverton]

The free one expired yesterday - might be worth keeping an eye on the link though to see if they update it:

http://www.danda.co.uk/opticians/promotions/voucher.asp?campaign=1868
Good Call! Voucher now available until 30/09/2006. Thanks.

[Princessa]

you'll get cashback by booking your appointment through quidco, too

[*JoJo*]

I received a voucher at the weekend, from "Boots Advantage Card". It allows you to have a free eye test when you book your child for one at the same time. It might be worth looking out for. It is a shame because my children are too young for eye tests, so I can't use it.

JoJo x

[yezdi]

Good Call! Voucher now available until 30/09/2006. Thanks.
:confused: Doesnt work.

[chas49]

Good Call! Voucher now available until 30/09/2006. Thanks.

Just to clarify - it's a £10 eye test voucher - better than paying full price but not free....

[mrbond]

If you have had your eye-tests through D & A before, and you are due for one soon, you may get sent a letter with a voucher enclosed for free test - I have. It also includes one to give to a friend providing they buy a pair of glasses afterwards. So if you know anyone who has been recently or may be going soon, they might be able to help you out!

[sda]

Does the NHS give u a free eye test if u have the prescription exemption card?please lemme know..I uwd be glad if there r other free eye tests available as well..

[Gaia]

Does the NHS give u a free eye test if u have the prescription exemption card?please lemme know..I uwd be glad if there r other free eye tests available as well..
Yes, I believe they do. You may find this website useful:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/Bfsl1/BenefitsAndFinancialSupport/BenefitsAndFinancialSupportArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10018978&chk=NfdA%2B8

[sda]

Yes, I believe they do. You may find this website useful:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/Bfsl1/BenefitsAndFinancialSupport/BenefitsAndFinancialSupportArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10018978&chk=NfdA%2B8


Thanks for ur reply-but it seems only dental treatments r covered in that..Any info for free or discounted eye tests would be great..thanks in advance.

[Gaia]

Thanks for ur reply-but it seems only dental treatments r covered in that..Any info for free or discounted eye tests would be great..thanks in advance.
You may be able to get help with health costs like:
NHS prescription charges
NHS dental treatment, including check-ups
sight tests
vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
travel costs to and from hospital for NHS treatment under the care of a consultant
travel costs for NHS treatment abroad
wigs and fabric supports, such as abdominal and spinal supports

You’ll need to complete Form HC1 from a Jobcentre Plus office or NHS hospital. You may also be able to get one from your doctor, dentist and optician.

You can also get a form by contacting the Department of Health publications order line on 0800 555 777 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday).