NHS tests at opticians

bylromarha

Took DS to Vision Express this weekend. Had his yearly NHS test as he's a glasses wearer. No new glasses that he liked in VE, so we asked for the NHS glasses voucher so we could choose glasses in another opticians. They couldn't issue the voucher as the optician who'd tested him was new to the country and didn't have the right number issued by the NHS to issue the NHS voucher. VE were going to write off the NHS costs as they're unable to claim them.

So son now needs a new eye test to get the glasses voucher. Seems this is a common practice as Specsavers, who we're going to get the glasses from, said they'd write off the cost too with one of their "new to the country" opticians.

Worth asking the question if your optician is NHS registered prior to booking your appointment if you're an NHS patient.

iammumtoone

Thanks for posting. I never realised that. My son is due for an eye test, he doesn't wear glasses but I will ask the question just in case he needs them this time.

Will you have to pay for the additional eye test or can you get two free on the NHS due to these circumstances?

teddysmum

bylromarha wrote: »

Took DS to Vision Express this weekend. Had his yearly NHS test as he's a glasses wearer. No new glasses that he liked in VE, so we asked for the NHS glasses voucher so we could choose glasses in another opticians. They couldn't issue the voucher as the optician who'd tested him was new to the country and didn't have the right number issued by the NHS to issue the NHS voucher. VE were going to write off the NHS costs as they're unable to claim them.

So son now needs a new eye test to get the glasses voucher. Seems this is a common practice as Specsavers, who we're going to get the glasses from, said they'd write off the cost too with one of their "new to the country" opticians.

Worth asking the question if your optician is NHS registered prior to booking your appointment if you're an NHS patient.

I think you have real grounds for complaint to the NHS, as I think most people are under the impression that they are not bound to buy glasses from the company doing the testing.

missbiggles1

I've always just taken my prescription away with me to buy where I want or to use online - is this something new?

bylromarha

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I've always just taken my prescription away with me to buy where I want or to use online - is this something new?

We have his prescription, but as he's under 16, he gets an NHS voucher for money off glasses too.

We weren't allowed the NHS glasses voucher.

bylromarha

teddysmum wrote: »

I think you have real grounds for complaint to the NHS, as I think most people are under the impression that they are not bound to buy glasses from the company doing the testing.

I don't think it's the NHS's fault - as far as they're concerned, VE just need to wait the 2-3 months for them to issue their number.

bylromarha

iammumtoone wrote: »

Thanks for posting. I never realised that. My son is due for an eye test, he doesn't wear glasses but I will ask the question just in case he needs them this time.

Will you have to pay for the additional eye test or can you get two free on the NHS due to these circumstances?

The VE test was never an NHS test as the optician can't do tests which can be claimed back from the NHS as she doesn't have her NHS number.

We didn't know that though - we didn't get charged for the eye test VE did. VE were going to write off the cost of the NHS test and the NHS voucher for the glasses and act as if it was all a typical NHS case. Seems like a poor business model to me. Specsavers confirmed they would handle the matter in the same way with their new to the country opticians.

teddysmum

bylromarha wrote: »

I don't think it's the NHS's fault - as far as they're concerned, VE just need to wait the 2-3 months for them to issue their number.

Not a complaint about the NHS, but to the NHS, informing them of the unfair treatment. ie assuming that they would be able to sell glasses and depriving someone of the right to go elsewhere, without being out of pocket (a second test would cost, as the NHS only allows one free of charge within a certain time period, unless the patient has a special sight problem)

pmduk

Surely in this case you haven't had your annual NHS test and can just go ahead and have another? I'd check with the prescriptions pricing people in Newcastle first to be sure though.

nomoneytoday

teddysmum wrote: »

Not a complaint about the NHS, but to the NHS, informing them of the unfair treatment. ie assuming that they would be able to sell glasses and depriving someone of the right to go elsewhere, without being out of pocket (a second test would cost, as the NHS only allows one free of charge within a certain time period, unless the patient has a special sight problem)

But would the first one count as an NHS test, if VE/SS were paying?

teddysmum

nomoneytoday wrote: »

But would the first one count as an NHS test, if VE/SS were paying?

No. I missed the OP's post (where they mention this) above mine, as I was distracted while typing before the post, so didn't 'send ' until after the OP's post.