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Refusing to give me my contact lens prescription

I've recently had a contact lens fitting. Optician was about to order me a supply of lenses - when I told them that I could get the lenses cheaper elsewhere so could she give me a copy of my prescription. She said no - that she's got a responsibility to look after my eyes and she can't do that if someone else is dispensing? Is she allowed to do this? Going with my optician will cost almost double. She also said that she doubted I'd get the same lenses - but I was planning on buying via ASDAs - so surely should be reputable?
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Comments

  • Ivory_Tinkler
    Ivory_Tinkler Posts: 1,089 Forumite
    I don't know the legalities but I can see her point. She has given you a thorough eye test but you now want to get your lenses from elsewhere - she's probably a bit miffed to be honest. Perhaps you should have gone to have your eyes tested at Asda and then had them prescribe you the lenses instead.
  • lal1234
    lal1234 Posts: 64 Forumite
    doing a quick google I've found that she is obliged to provide me with a specification once fitting is complete.

    Ivory - I've paid her handsomely for the lens fitting - why should i have to pay her over the odds for my lenses as well??? It would be cheaper for me to pay her for the fitting, get a new fitting at ASDAs and then get lenses from there. But its the principle of the thing - if I've already paid for a fitting then I should be entitled to a copy of the prescription?
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Its no different from having an eye test for glasses. the test is done and paid for and the optician is bound by law to give you your prescription, this is what you have paid for. She's trying it on. Ring trading standards.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • GrammarGirl
    GrammarGirl Posts: 1,466 Forumite
    I think you're entitled to receive your prescription under Data Protection laws. Mention this and they should give you it without fuss - encroaching Data Protection is a big deal!
  • Smiley82
    Smiley82 Posts: 339 Forumite
    Often it's just easier to be a little bit more subtle. Instead of telling your optician that 'you can find them cheaper elsewhere', you could simply have said that you weren't ready to purchase them just yet (for whatever reason, you could make one up, or simply say nothing), but could you please have a copy of your prescription as you wish to take it with you for your records.

    They are legally obliged to give you a copy when asked, but often turning around and saying that you just want it so you can buy elsewhere can make some of them turn a little bitter.

    Just a thought..... :)

    Good Luck getting your prescription.
  • maryjane01
    maryjane01 Posts: 456 Forumite
    A contact lens prescription is slightly different to a glasses prescription. They have to give you your glasses prescription, but with fitting contact lenses I think they have to see you a second time after you have worn them to verify it is all ok.

    A lot of these chain store opticians are very cagey about giving out the prescription. I would buy the minimum amount of lenses from your optician then buy repeats online. If they won't give you the prescription you a least have the box with the details. If you buy from the US they don't need to see the actual prescription.
  • Tozer
    Tozer Posts: 3,518 Forumite
    I think you're entitled to receive your prescription under Data Protection laws. Mention this and they should give you it without fuss - encroaching Data Protection is a big deal!

    In that case the OP should make a subject access request, pay £10, and wait for up to 40 days....
  • MORPH3US
    MORPH3US Posts: 4,906 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Very annoying situation, my girlfriend gets her eyes tested and then buys her lenses online for a fraction of the cost.

    The number of times we have been somewhere, had her eyes tested, paid for the test and then had a massive argument because they won't give her the prescription....

    We always categorically state "we only want the eye test and will pay for it. We then want to walk out with the prescription so we can buy online"

    They are always "yes of course we can do that" and then as soon as its done and paid they start trying to flog you their rip-off lenses and won't let you have it....

    We tend to steer clear of the glasses only places like D&A, Vision Express, Spec Savers etc...

    Try boots instead if you can.
  • BlueAngelCV
    BlueAngelCV Posts: 671 Forumite
    They have to give you the prescription. That is what you've paid for. I'd make a complaint to the store and if that doesn't work try writing to head office (if there is one).
    Wedding 5th September 2015
  • TrulyMadly
    TrulyMadly Posts: 39,754 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker Cashback Cashier
    Hi
    I've had a similar thing with Specsavers. Had my eyes checked and then tried to order through Sainsburys but Specsavers would not release the prescription. I then placed an online order through Specsavers and they contacted ny local store and honoured the purchase. Saved about 50%
    To do is to be. Rousseau
    To be is to do. Sartre
    Do be do be do. Sinatra
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