Dentists/opticians

mardatha

Can I ask if you pay for dentists and glasses if you're on the basic state pension ?

sinizterguy

Dentist yes.

No idea about opticians.

You need to be receiving Pension Credit to be exempt from Dental charges.

GlasweJen

Same for the opticians, need to be on pension credit guarantee or another income based benefit.

In Scotland you get a free eye test, I think England and Wales do free eye tests for people over 60 or who have a high risk of glaucoma.

Farway

Free eye test in England if over 60, pay for glasses

Pay for dentist as above

beedeedee

If you regularly go to the same optician ask for discount. Specsavers are usually very good at giving it - but it does depend on the branch - if you don't ask you won't get.

luminated

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1786.aspx?categoryid=74&subcategoryid=742

Look at this link re low income scheme as well. May apply to you?

It says:

The NHS Low Income Scheme provides income-related help to people not exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help with healthcare costs if they have a low income. Anyone can apply as long as they don’t have savings or investments over the capital limit. In England, the capital limit is £16,000 (or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).

mardatha

We're in Scotland, but think our dentist does NHS patients... eye tests I know are free but the glasses will cost. We are on Pension Credit just now and everything is free - but come Sept he will go onto State Pension, and it seems everything will suddenly cost a lot more ! Need to stock up on specs and fillings now I think ! ty everybody