HC2 Form and Contact Lenses

garriec

Hi there,

I've just got back from Vision Express and feel that I'm paying over the odds for what I'm getting, again. The woman there doesn't really explain things to me that well so I'm here incase anyone can give me some clarification.

I am named on a Valid HC2 Certificate for help with health costs, went to Vision Express with the aim to get some contact lenses again after not having any for a few months. I was told that for the 10 pairs per month, I would have to pay £16 and an upfront fee of £48 for the first 3 months worth of lenses, which totals 30 pairs.

Now, I can get the 30 pairs for just £28 if I were to get them from Asda online. I asked about my HC2 form, and she said it wasn't valid on contact lenses at all, and if I didn't take the direct debit out I'd get charged for the visit. Should I go and get a refund, pay for the perscription and just order online, all just seems far too expensive for what I'm getting.

garriec

I've been reading things about a GOS3 form, should I have been given one of those to fill out?

sophlowe45

As far as im aware HC2 form is for free eye test and help towards the cost of glasses.

i was told once at an optician i could use get a free eye test or free contact lens assessment (i have complex lenses so i dont pay for my eye test)

There is this (page 18)

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Documents/2011/HC12-april-2011.pdf

Yes you could just pay for your contact lens assessment go elsewhere to purchase but it can take trying some different lenses before thee optician is happy with the final decision and can then give your assessment, clarify this with the optican i guess, how long it would take to get a copy of your contact lens assessment so you can go elsewhere to purchase them.

jenniewb

AFAIK contact lenses are not available on the NHS, they are a delux option, not an essential. If your short/long sighted or have an astigmatism for example, this is a need, glasses are the cheapest way to get that problem sorted which is probably why glasses are included yet contact lenses are not.

It would be good if they were and having been a student I'd have loved it if they were but sadly no, its pay the bill yourself or don't get them at all.

pmduk

Perhaps a better option for you would be to use either Asda or Tesco for the assessment, then to buy your lenses from Asda as above. When I last checked (about 6 months ago,) the cost for this would be £15 including a year's aftercare.