Getting Free Eye Exam And Glasses On Useing Job Seekers Allowance (whats the limit)?

contactadam2002

I have had 2 eye exams, 1 in May at one opticians (on the NHS and at the request of the doctor) and another at the beginning of this month initially as a laser eye surgery consultation, but in the end I had an eye test and took away some glasses for free as I am on job seekers allowance.
Optical express were the last place I went to and these were my first pair of glasses (thus I had no idea how to match them to my face size and shape- as I now realize I needed a larger frame one to cover my eyes better) my current glasses in addition to not covering my eyes properly also do not sit straight on my nose (which has a very wide bridge). Optical express wanted my national insurance number, but still allowe me to have them all for free without actually receiving it. Optical express may not allow to get a new set of glasses with the correct size frame (something they said they were going tio help me choose, but never did) so is it possible to go to another opticians and still claim free glasses (using their prescription) or is it somehow going to show on their system that I have already been issued glasses.
The lady at another opticians seemed to think I wouldn’t be able to get another pair of glasses on job seekers, but if I never told her about my previouse eye test and glasses then would they ever know?

tidus

You will not qualify for another NHS sight test and spectacles voucher until you are due for another examination (usually 2 years, maybe less if the optician recommeded it) or until you believe you have a medical problem with your eyes or you believe your sight has changed.

In the latter 2 cases you will get the sight test but not necessarily the voucher unless your presription actually has changed.

You could go to another optician and lie about how long ago you were last examined - they will not know and will take your word for it, but if you remember you sign official NHS forms. These are submitted by the optician for payment and it will be checked centrally. You will then have commited fraud and may be fined. So don't do that for goodness sake.

nedmundo

I'd have thought Optical Express would have a responsibility to ensure that the frames fitted well and were suitable for purpose when dispensed. Could be worth taking them back.

GlasweJen

You wont get help from the NHS because you chose an inappropriate frame, if you try going to another optician you'll get hit with a fine plus you'll need to pay the cost of the eye test and glasses back so it's not worth it.

Go back to optical express with your glasses and tell them that they did a bad dispense and the glasses aren't suitable. They will likely be happy to change the frame but only if you go back in a reasonable amount of time (we give 3 weeks for this sort of thing but we do take circumstances into account so it's not a fixed rule).