Nhs eye test!

Jakey27

How Crazy is this, My optician says I am only entitled to a free NHS eye test every 2 years, My eyes seem to be getting worse, anyway, I rang them today, explained i think my eyes are getting worse to be told, if the optician doesnt think they got worse then i will have to pay for my eye test, I was not very happy, So i searched online for free eye tests, I found one at tesco, rang tesco and explained the situation and was advised to ask to claim the eye test as a private patient at this stage and not as an nhs patient, technically allowing me a free eye test, then i said, how does it work if i need new glasses how do i then claim as an NHS patient for my free gigs, I was advised in a very candid way without actually telling me what to do, to take my presciption back to my optician, and ask them if the prescription has changed and claim from my optician my free nhs glasses! Now if thats not political corectness gone mad, i dont know what is, I have a free eye test booked with tesco on friday, i will keep you informed lol

j.e.j.

Jakey27 wrote: »

How Crazy is this, My optician says I am only entitled to a free NHS eye test every 2 years, My eyes seem to be getting worse, anyway, I rang them today, explained i think my eyes are getting worse to be told, if the optician doesnt think they got worse then i will have to pay for my eye test, I was not very happy, So i searched online for free eye tests, I found one at tesco, rang tesco and explained the situation and was advised to ask to claim the eye test as a private patient at this stage and not as an nhs patient, technically allowing me a free eye test, then i said, how does it work if i need new glasses how do i then claim as an NHS patient for my free gigs, I was advised in a very candid way without actually telling me what to do, to take my presciption back to my optician, and ask them if the prescription has changed and claim from my optician my free nhs glasses! Now if thats not political corectness gone mad, i dont know what is, I have a free eye test booked with tesco on friday, i will keep you informed lol

There was a case in the news recently about a man who went for an eye test more frequently than once in 2 years, and the nhs found out he'd claimed more than once and fined him.

He was actually advised by his optician that he needed to come back for an eye test sooner than 2 years, so he challenged the fine and eventually got an apology and his money back.

I suppose it's all down to whether the optician will be able to claim their payment from the nhs for your sight test. If the nhs won't reimburse them, they'll be out of pocket.

wildwestfan

My wife went to the optician convinced there was something wrong. She also was told she was only entitled to a free test once a year and it was only 7 months since her last one. The charge was going to be £40 for this extra one.

She said she would find a voucher for a free test elsewhere. They did back down, saying they wouldn't charge if indeed there was a problem, obviously thinking about the £400 she pays for new glasses. Turned out she had developed wet macular degeneration.....an emergency in sight terms. Treatment at the Midland Eye Centre was started in less than a week and saved her sight.

tidus

You have recieved poor/incorrect advise.

1) You can have an early NHS funded exam if you believe your sight has changed or there is something wrong with your eyes.

2) You shouldn't have to pay even if there isn't any change or something wrong - its enough that you think there is.

3) You will be issued with an NHS spectacle voucher (assuming you're entited to one on benefit grounds) IF there is a change. If there isn't, you don't get one until your 2 years is up.

Twisted_Cherry

Specsavers gave me another eye test 12 months after my last because I knew my vision had changed. They were good about it, told me straight up I would only have to pay for the test if my sight was the same. I was right, so new prescription was issued!

sillyvixen

optical practices will advise you that you are only entiteled to an NHS test unless there has been a change or a need to refer you for further investigations, obviously if they test you and this is not the case they can not put the test through the NHS and claim. however if you discuss your visual problems with your Dr and he suggests a test you can claim a NHS test on his/her recomendation. (just state this when you book).

pmduk

sillyvixen wrote: »

however if you discuss your visual problems with your Dr and he suggests a test you can claim a NHS test on his/her recomendation. (just state this when you book).

I'm not suggesting you're wrong but what a waste of GP's time! Few of them seem to feel adequately qualified to doubt what a patient is saying about their sight and will automatically refer to the optician. This leading to 2 consultations with health professionals rather than one.

tidus

sillyvixen wrote: »

optical practices will advise you that you are only entiteled to an NHS test unless there has been a change or a need to refer you for further investigations, obviously if they test you and this is not the case they can not put the test through the NHS and claim. however if you discuss your visual problems with your Dr and he suggests a test you can claim a NHS test on his/her recomendation. (just state this when you book).

Incorrect regards getting charged if there doesn't turn out to be a change. You should not be charged, provided you thought that your sight had changed or that there's a medical problem with your eyes. Its all about the symptoms, not the result of the examination.

There is an early retest code the optometrist adds to the back of the NHS claim form to allow for this.

Unfortunately there is a degree of ignorance about this in many practice staff.

pmduk

Thanks Tidus, I must admit, that's what must have happened in my case, though I couldn't be sure it just wasn't a particularly conscientious optometrist.

Itchy_Niagras

How does one obtain the eye test voucher? Do we contact some Benefits department, or do we sort it out at the opticians?

pmduk

There is no voucher. You go to the optometrist and arrange an appointment. This thread is dealing with those people who are entitled to free NHS eye-tests. If this applies to you, just show proof of your entitlement at the optometrists. If you're not entitled to a free test you'll need to pay for the test at the rate set locally by the optometrist.