NHS Eye Tests.

xsunnysuex

I've always had my eye tests at specsavers. I recieved a letter saying my eye test was due. I phoned specsavers and the man I spoke too said "No, your not due a test yet. The law has changed so it's every two years now. Not every 18 months." He said I'm not due for a test until Jan/Feb next year. However, I still keep getting letters saying I'm overdue my eye test. So, is he right? Is it every two years? Or 18 months? Any help appreciated.

Torry_Quine

Two years has always been the default for eye-tests but if the optician felt it would be needed sooner then he would say at the time. On your last prescription it should tell you when you are next due. If you have been seen previously at 18 month intervals then that will be a decision of the optician and should be on your records.

sueturnersmith

It's normally every two years - and has been for years.

But if you are diabetic, then it's once a year.

Fiver29

Yes, for adults with no health problems it's every 2 years, and for children it's every 12 months.

xsunnysuex

Thank you. My prescription had changed a lot at my last test. The optician said he was glad I came. I was also allowed to choose the higher cost glasses. So, maybe the optician thinks I should be seen every 18 months. Anyway, I just called to make an appointment and the lady said I am overdue. When I got the first letter telling me to make an appointment, the person I spoke too that told me I wasn't due because it wasn't yet 2 years told me to ignore any further letters I might get until Jan/Feb next year.

LadyMorticia

You haven't moved at all have you?

I moved and keep getting letters from Specsavers in my old town saying I'm overdue an eye test.

However, I know I'm not as I had a test here a year ago.

I_luv_cats

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/9725704.stm

A guy was fined £100 for having a NHS Free Eye Test within 2 years of his last one!!!

Anubis_2

Yes its two years. I have to have them every 12 months because of optic neuritis and other eye issues. Hubby has just started to have them every 12 months but previously had them every 2 years.

I'm under an eye specialist anyway and I'm 4 months late with mine but just not well enough to go atm.

Tehya

As others have said it is every 2 years unless there's a reason for the optician to advise more frequent tests but if you feel you are having problems then you may go back before the 2 years as long as it's a genuine reason i.e. bad headaches, blurred vision or an increase in floaters etc.

I have crazy headaches due to being light sensitive and severe floaters so if I get an increase in these I can go for an eye test whenever I feel the need because I'm at a higher risk of having a retinal detachment.

My best advice is to go have a chat with your optician and see what they say most will take a minute to speak to you.

incorrect_2

Mine is every two years, hubby every year and granddaughter aged 9yrs is every six months so really depends on what the optician says you need