Why cant you get specs on the NHS?

C_Mababejive

OK i know there are funding mechanisms for basic specs for those on benefits/pension whatever but why isnt myopia for example,treated as any other disability?

If i break my leg,the NHS plasters it and gives me crutches. If my ticker goes faulty,they fit a pacemaker. If i need dialysis they put me on the transplant list/supply a machine. If im diabetic,they give me drugs and dispensing equipment.

Whats the difference with glasses?

Its not so bad for low level myopia,say upto -2 . you can get a cheapo pair of specs for £25 or so including lenses but once you are say -6 and above,your into hundreds of pounds simply because lenses have to be manufactured so that they are thinner. Higher than say -10? megabucks,,could easily be £300 and more.

Contact lenses? again a hefty monthly subscription.

Waking up and not being able to see until you fit an optical appliance really is a disability and should be treated as such.

Hermia

I'm -8.5 and my glasses cost hundreds so I feel your pain. My aunt's eyesight is so bad she has frequently needed surgery, but she doesn't get any help with her very expensive glasses.

I don't really understand NHS funding though. I am entitled to free prescriptions because I am on thyroid medication for life. I have friends who have other chronic conditions that require medication and they aren't entitled to free prescriptions.

londonsurrey

I agree it's not fair.
It's luck of the draw and for those who really believe in something, they join or start a pressure group that lobbies for the relevant changes.

A little talked about fact - having Down's Syndrome or having an accident that results in a low IQ will have you downgraded for all kinds of medical treatment. I have a friend whose daughter's head was crushed, and have seen her resultant treatment.

Nicki

I've experienced it both ways londonsurrey with my DD who has severe learning difficulties and autism. It seems to depend completely on the consultant in charge of the team you need.

So my DD has been fasttracked through the system for a hernia operation and a skin biposy where a lymphoma was suspected (seen and operated on within a week explicity because of her disability, rather than on a waiting list of a few months), and has on occasion been given private rooms when on a ward for the same reason. But was downgraded for neurological investigations despite having frequent severe sudden onset seizures and having a handful of urgent referrals to that team, downgraded for appointments at the eye clinic, and one notable occasion had to wait for 13 months for an X ray after she had a nasty accident which caused a head injury preventing her from eating or drinking (by which point we had gone private 12 months, 3 weeks and 5 days before and discovered she had a fractured jaw which was pinned and treated the same day!)

mr_rush

Because a line has to be drawn somewhere.

Pennylane

Then they should draw that line somewhere else.

Same with HRT medication if your prescription contains 2 preparations in one packet then you pay a DOUBLE prescription. How fair is that? Most medicines are made up of several things so why single out HRT? Never understood that.

j.e.j.

People who are on means-tested benefits might get the eye examination for free, but I think they still have to cough up for most of the price of a pair of glasses, which can run into hundreds. How on earth people are supposed to come up with that sort of money who knows. I guess the temptation then is to opt for the cheapo off-the-shelf, ready-made glasses, which may even do more damage to your eyesight in the long term (?)
It does seem crazy.

geri1965_2

I am -10 in both eyes (slightly more in fact) and have an astigmatism, so I get free sight tests - however, I only found this out a few years ago! I also get £16 towards the cost of my glasses - which are normally between £300-£400.

I wear GP lenses mostly, they cost £70 or so a pair and last 2-3 years.

pmduk

Pennylane wrote: »

Then they should draw that line somewhere else.

Wherever the line is drawn there will be someone saying that unfortunately. And which treatments do you stop in order to fund it?

mr_rush

Then they should draw that line somewhere else.

Same with HRT medication if your prescription contains 2 preparations in one packet then you pay a DOUBLE prescription. How fair is that?

I look forward to commercial pricing of medication.

gadgeteer_2

I think there's a good argument to say that if you are beyond a certain prescription then it's classed as a medical need more than say a lower prescription.

But I agree that the problem is where do you draw that line and how would you fund it? And I say that as someone with a fairly heavy prescription and also needs thin lenses. I went into the opticians on Sat. to look for a new pair as mine are on their last legs at the moment and almost had a heart attack from the prices. Thank goodness for online stores now.