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HC2 - How much help towards glasses?

mouthscradle
Posts: 1,007 Forumite
I have a HC2 certificate which says I am entitled to "free NHS sight tests" and "the full value of a voucher towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses".
I'm going to book an eye test as I get eye strain when reading or using the computer, and I'm pretty sure I will need reading glasses (I was told I needed them after an eye test when I was about 13 and am now 27 but didn't bother wearing them as I was at that image-conscious age
) .
I was just wondering whether the voucher is for a set amount or will it depend on what prescription I get and/or how much the glasses I want cost? I won't be bothered about getting designer ones or anything, just something modern(ish) but inexpensive. Just looking to get an idea how much I am likely to have to pay myself?
Thank you
I'm going to book an eye test as I get eye strain when reading or using the computer, and I'm pretty sure I will need reading glasses (I was told I needed them after an eye test when I was about 13 and am now 27 but didn't bother wearing them as I was at that image-conscious age

I was just wondering whether the voucher is for a set amount or will it depend on what prescription I get and/or how much the glasses I want cost? I won't be bothered about getting designer ones or anything, just something modern(ish) but inexpensive. Just looking to get an idea how much I am likely to have to pay myself?
Thank you

Mother, wife, scientist, analyst.
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Comments
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The amount you'll get off specs depends on your prescription, so its not possible to give you a value until you've had an examination.
At many (not all) opticians, even the lowest voucher will cover the cost of a basic pair, or you can use it as part payment towards a nicer pair.0 -
The amount you'll get off specs depends on your prescription, so its not possible to give you a value until you've had an examination.
At many (not all) opticians, even the lowest voucher will cover the cost of a basic pair, or you can use it as part payment towards a nicer pair.
starts at £35.50 but does depend on your prescription- most places you can use the voucher for standard (uncoated untinted) lenses and a cheap entry price frame. more expensive frames, tints and finishes are extra. often if you need seperate prescription for distance and reading you can get either 2 seperate pairs or bifocals in entry level frames but varifocals are subject to an upgrade charge.
also if you are getting free glasses with your nhs voucher you usually forfit the right to BOGOF deals as your 1st pair is heavily discounted (ie usually costs more than voucher A (35.50) for a pair of standard lenses and cheap frames).Dogs return to eat their vomit, just as fools repeat their foolishness. There is no more hope for a fool than for someone who says, "i am really clever!"0 -
Thank you both
Had a feeling it wouldn't be a standard amount. Hopefully won't cost me too much though for a decent pair. Thanks again!
Mother, wife, scientist, analyst.
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sorry but where did you get the HC2 certificate?! I've been trying to get hold of one for months!:xmastree:Christmasaholic and proud! :xmassmile0
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Inkedkitten wrote: »sorry but where did you get the HC2 certificate?! I've been trying to get hold of one for months!
Most opticians have them. Just wander in and ask. The application form is called HC1, the certificate you get is called either HC2 or HC3, depending on if you get full or partial help.0 -
Inkedkitten wrote: »sorry but where did you get the HC2 certificate?! I've been trying to get hold of one for months!
You can fill in a form online and they will post the application form to you. The form is here: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/2123.aspx
Hope that helpsMother, wife, scientist, analyst.
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mouthscradle wrote: »You can fill in a form online and they will post the application form to you. The form is here: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/2123.aspx
Hope that helps
thanks for that - i will keep a note as we always run out of forms in september (so does everyone else and orders from pct take forever) when the students get back to college.Dogs return to eat their vomit, just as fools repeat their foolishness. There is no more hope for a fool than for someone who says, "i am really clever!"0 -
Well I had my eye test today at my local Specsavers, I needed a prescription for glasses to wear when reading and using the computer. Apparently one eye is slightly long-sighted and one is slightly short-sighted (trust me!).
They gave me a voucher for £35.50 towards some glasses. They have a BOGOF offer on glasses over £75 and apparently I can use my voucher and still get the BOGOF, so I might do that. I'm going to have a look at the weekend and take OH with me for a second opinion.
Does anyone have experience of buying glasses online? I'm not sure how this would work with my NHS voucher.Mother, wife, scientist, analyst.
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Personally I wouldnt buy glasses online because your frames need to be fitted to your face and be properly adjusted when you get them and that can only be done in person.
My advice is to shop around for glasses don't just stick to Specsavers either despite their offers because they have a habit of not letting you have your prescription.
I got my reading glasses from the eye hospital and due to my prescription and the fact that I am on the dole, I actually got £54 off - so I carefully (with the help of the hospital optician) found a pair of frames and we decided on the lenses that came to exactly £54 and then I paid an extra £26 for anti-reflective coating. I have my eyes tested at the eye hospital these days due to the complicated nature of my prescription and the state of my eyes.0 -
They gave me my prescription no problems, which I was relieved about. Although no PD measurement is written anywhere. Is the anti-reflective coating worth paying extra for?
There is one thing I'm confused about... I was looking at glasses on one website and it says
"If you need glasses for driving and/or watching TV, choose the ‘distance’ line.
-Buying a pair for using a computer, reading music, or watching TV? Choose ‘intermediate.'
- For glasses needed for reading or close-up work of any kind, choose the ‘near’ line."
Well the optician said to me to wear my glasses when I'm reading and writing or when on the computer, but my prescription is written in the "Distance" row. Is this normal?Mother, wife, scientist, analyst.
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