specsavers have my prescription/nhs voucher question (and contact trial question)

Midnight_Tboy

Hi all,

I called in to the opticians earlier today (a specsavers) on a whim whilst shopping.....as I'm on my last pair of glasses which are pretty uncomfortable. It'd been a few years since my last eye test anyway

I have a tax credit credit exemption card so the eyetest was free.

I was thinking to buy a new pair of decent glasses, and try the 5 free contact lenses, which I'm considering wearing for future use on holiday etc (always previously been put off by being squemish when it comes to eyes)

Anyways, I I had the little pre checkup thing, where I signed a form (presume this was to do with the NHS voucher thing)...and then I did the eye test.....no problems there.

I did say however, that I don't plan to buy any until Saturday or Tuesday, as I wanted the missus to be with me to help me pick a decent pair (which was true)

After the eye test, I then went downstairs to the sales people, whom I said the same and they were like "we don't work at the beginning of next week" (obviously being concerned about sales for themselves) so just said I'll try and call back when I can. He did write down though how much the costs of the contacts would be per month etc on the booklet.

On hindsight though, I never actually got the prescription or anything off them, nor did I get the NHS voucher (presuming I get this physically?)

I plan to definately buy 1 pair of glasses, but as far as the contacts themselves go, wanted the trial to see if I can manage ok with them (the salesman was saying I'd need Toric ones, but the optician said I'd probably be fine with either toric or nontoric as its borderline....maybe higher commision...but I'd rather try the cheaper first of course too)

So question....

1) When you take the contact lens trial...do you have to give details for direct debits etc...and then go through the hassle of cancelling? Or do you just get back to them if you decide you want more after the trial.

2) Now, I was thinking of popping into the likes of Tesco tomorrow, and seeing what they have too glasses-wise..if needs be, having a 2nd quick eye test too (and getting that prescription info)....but now I've just thought......this voucher thing that specsavers have.....because specsavers physically have hold of this voucher, does that mean I'd have to go back to specsavers and ask for it back? (aswell as the prescription - would be interesting to hear their opinion on whether I'd need toric or not too)....or would it be fine for Tesco in effect to write a new one, seeing as the other hasn't actually been used yet for getting glasses?


Thanks for the help,
Tuck

nedmundo

The regulations are quite clear - prescription and voucher do have to be handed over on the completion of your eye exam. You need to physically go back and ask for them. They shouldn't have any reason to refuse.

pattycake

You would not be entitled to another free eye test. The usual interval between tests is 2 years unless there is a medical reason for more frequent testing.

System

pattycake wrote: »

You would not be entitled to another free eye test. The usual interval between tests is 2 years unless there is a medical reason for more frequent testing.

Is eyesight getting worse a good enough reason?

(sorry to hijack the post)

nedmundo

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Is eyesight getting worse a good enough reason?

(sorry to hijack the post)

Yes it would be, but not for a 2nd opinion or convenience as mentioned in the OP.

xoxo_2

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Is eyesight getting worse a good enough reason?

(sorry to hijack the post)

Yes it is. I have one every 9-12m paid for with an NHS voucher because of eyesight changing and headaches

Midnight_Tboy

thanks for the replies.

I'll just call in and get the prescription. I'll probably also purchase a pair of glasses while there, presuming they have some I like

I'll also get the contact lens trial from specsavers....but plan to buy the contacts from elsewhere afterwards (unless the deal is decent enough)

Could I ask though....when you ask for the prescription, and after having a contact lens trial.......does the main prescription have the info needed for ordering contact lenses, or would that be on a seperate document they would need to provide?

GlasweJen

You're entitled to your yellow voucher which can be used towards the cost of either contact lenses (not both). You get one every 2 years as long as you remain entitled, you can get one more often only if there is a significant clinical change to your prescription. Your prescription is written on the yellow voucher.

As for the contact lenses - the optical assistant should only give advice on the prescription settled between you and the optician, did you get a pair of lenses inserted to wander around in for an hour or so?

Technically you wont have a contact lens prescription until your final lenses have been finalised and you've been signed off to take them in and out (usually a half hour session with a trained assistant). You can't get a copy of the prescription for the trials, the first prescription usually only lasts for 2 weeks to a month (you should be on trials for this amount of time) and then when it's established that your eyes are getting on with the lenses and the prescription is suitable (your lenses prescription is different to your glasses prescription) you'll get a prescription for 3 months to 6 months.

GlasweJen

Just to clarify, contact lens prescription is different to your glasses prescription.

Your glasses prescription is
sphere/cyl x axis [add]

your contact prescription is basecurve:diameter, sphere (possibly with cyl x axis or can be with an ADD).

Your prescriptions must be signed by an optom and stamped. It should clearly state the date you were tested and the amount of time that the prescription is valid for. The contact lens prescription should specify the brand of lens and any measurements that are relevant (example, some lenses are available in 2 base curves, we'd need to know which base curve you've been prescribed).

suki1964

And Specsavers will charge for the contact lens prescription unless you sign up for the monthly direct debit

My last contacts I was happy enough to be on DD as there was about a quid a month difference. However my new lenses are twice the price that I can buy online. I asked for the script and was told it would be £18

Midnight_Tboy

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't given any lenses to walk around for an hour or so yet....as it was a case of having the test, then saying I'll come back at the weekend (was going to go today actually but we've slept in lol)

Ok...so they won't give me a contact lens subscription without charging then...unless I get a direct debit with them. Can you choose how frequently you want lenses with a direct debit? So monthly, or is it every quarter a 3 month supply like other websites seem to sell?

I hope to use daily disposables (toric lenses, so supposedly £35 per 30 pairs with specsavers) but as a I would most likely only use them say 3 or 4 times a week, if its quarterly then after a few deliveries I'd end up having way more than I need.


Hmmmm I wonder if Tescos do the contact lens prescription tests too for free