JSA. Diabetic and Glasses

Legacy_user

I've been unemployed for a few month now and am classified as being Type 2 diabetic.
I have recently (last couple of years) needed reading glasses and originally bought my own pair.
However, my eyesight has deteriorated (as is the case with diabetes) a little and one lens has dropped out and is lost.
The question is, I am unsure of what the benefits situation will support. I know I am able to get a free eye test but would like to be able to take my frames to an optician and get the lenses put in if that is possible.
Thanks for any help.

Mojisola

Depending on what benefit you get, you may be able to get help - https://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_family/health/help_with_health_costs.htm#helpwiththecostofglasses

System

Hi
Thanks for that. I know I am entitled to get the NHS voucher but its whether I can use it with my own frames?

nannytone_2

i am registered blind, and had cataracts removed several years ago. as a result i have to wear reading glasses.
i got so fed up with losing them or breaking them, that i stopped getting them from the optician and i now buy them from Aldi at £2..
99 a pair!
I wouldnt recommend this for glassses you have to wear all the time or for friving, but for reading glasses, i cant justify the expense of getting them from an optician.

[Deleted User]

Cullers wrote: »

Hi
Thanks for that. I know I am entitled to get the NHS voucher but its whether I can use it with my own frames?

Yes you should be able to. I had a pair of very expensive designer frames from my previous life (i.e not a struggling single parent) and I used NHS voucher for new lenses but this was about 5 Years ago.

Mojisola

Cullers wrote: »

Hi
Thanks for that. I know I am entitled to get the NHS voucher but its whether I can use it with my own frames?

It may depend on your frames and what the lenses are like but, unless your prescription has changed a lot, I can't see why not.

Call into a local optician and let them see your frames. They'll tell your what's possible.

bananachip

You can get glasses reglazed but sometimes it will end up cheaper to get new frames.

I was quoted £50 at Specsavers to get a pair of glasses reglazed but they have frames with lenses starting from £39.

Look around the opticians and ask what you will be able to get with your voucher before you book an appointment, Specsavers is good as you will be able to get a pair of glasses including frames for your voucher. At other more expensive opticians you will need to top up even the cheapest options they have.

DUTR

Cullers wrote: »

I've been unemployed for a few month now and am classified as being Type 2 diabetic.
I have recently (last couple of years) needed reading glasses and originally bought my own pair.
However, my eyesight has deteriorated (as is the case with diabetes) a little and one lens has dropped out and is lost.
The question is, I am unsure of what the benefits situation will support. I know I am able to get a free eye test but would like to be able to take my frames to an optician and get the lenses put in if that is possible.
Thanks for any help.

You should be having retinotherapy scans every year, what do those show?
None diabetics require reading glasses as they age.

Mojisola

ellenette wrote: »

Yes you are right about Specsavers. Unfortunately, you pays your money and you get your choice.

My opinion they are a waste of money and will never go back. They whole operation is cheap and shoddy.

I think you were unlucky. My parents have been with Specsavers for years and have never had problems with their frames or lenses.

Mojisola

ellenette wrote: »

Seems that I have been.

But it's not funny when you go back in after a few weeks of getting a new pair because the side broke at the hinge to be told that that design no longer exists. I was told that either I had to buy another pair or have these repaired (and that I would have to pay the repair bill!!) As if!

Repaired all right, one with a dark brown and black metal side with the other a light brown and bronze metal!

Before that it took them three attempts to get the lenses right. I have varifocal, lightweight glass and as thin as they come.
The first two ended up with me thinking I had 3D specs on, everything was tinged red and green.

I have a bad eye defect from birth and am a Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetic.

Shambles of a company!

It could just be your local branch but I wouldn't be going back to a shop after service like that!