NHS tests at opticians

tidus

The Optician you're going to should be able to issue an NHS voucher based on the results of your son's "private" exam, assuming they are NHS registered, and assuming that his prescription has changed (in other words, he doesn't already have servicable and correct specs)

The issue of a Spectacle voucher (GOS 3) does not have to be linked to an NHS eye exam voucher (GOS 1). You'll experience a lot of misunderstanding about this however.

Bit of a bizarre story though. I don't understand why they would book in a child with an Optometrist who hasn't got their NHS number - no way of getting paid!

As Nedmundo says though, best to get exam and specs at the same place. Have a look at the frames first to make sure there are some you like before booking in.

bylromarha

tidus wrote: »

The Optician you're going to should be able to issue an NHS voucher based on the results of your son's "private" exam, assuming they are NHS registered, and assuming that his prescription has changed (in other words, he doesn't already have servicable and correct specs)

The issue of a Spectacle voucher (GOS 3) does not have to be linked to an NHS eye exam voucher (GOS 1). You'll experience a lot of misunderstanding about this however.

Bit of a bizarre story though. I don't understand why they would book in a child with an Optometrist who hasn't got their NHS number - no way of getting paid!

SS, VE and an independent optician we went to all said no NHS glasses voucher can be issued from the prescription we had.

I don't understand why they would run at a loss either, but SS also said they'd write off the cost of the "NHS" sight test and "NHS" voucher - which they did today as DS had his eyes retested at SS and ordered the glasses which suited him.

LadyDee

I'd be concerned that the optician who conducted the test was actually qualified to practise as an optician. Surely opticians have to be qualified to issue a prescription?

tidus

bylromarha wrote: »

SS, VE and an independent optician we went to all said no NHS glasses voucher can be issued from the prescription we had.

I don't understand why they would run at a loss either, but SS also said they'd write off the cost of the "NHS" sight test and "NHS" voucher - which they did today as DS had his eyes retested at SS and ordered the glasses which suited him.

At least it's sorted now then.

I've issued quite a few NHS vouchers based on private sight tests - it isn't a problem - but few places seem aware that you can do it. After all, why should the NHS pay Specsavers to do an unnecessary repeat eye exam when one was done a few day before?

In response to the above post not being registered with the NHS doesn't mean the Optician isn't qualified. It just means they aren't (yet) registered with the NHS. This process can take several weeks. During this period they can do private work quite legally.

GlasweJen

This is quite serious, when you have an optometrist without an NHS number they cannot do NHS tests. Up here almost all tests are NHS and when a pre-Reg passes their OSCES to qualify they can't test until they have the number so usually get 2 weeks holiday, prior to qualifying they use their supervisors number.

I would raise this with your local NHS board/trust

tidus

GlasweJen wrote: »

This is quite serious, when you have an optometrist without an NHS number they cannot do NHS tests. Up here almost all tests are NHS and when a pre-Reg passes their OSCES to qualify they can't test until they have the number so usually get 2 weeks holiday, prior to qualifying they use their supervisors number.

I would raise this with your local NHS board/trust

It isn't serious at all. The Optometrist concerned wasn't doing an NHS eye exam, it was private. Perfectly legal.

In Scotland everybody can claim an NHS funded eye exam but not so in England. Surely you know this if you work in the industry. As it can take several weeks for registration to come through, Optometrists in this situation can do private eye examinations, contact lens fitting and aftercare and help on the "shop floor". Just not NHS work.

Get your facts straight before encouraging people to complain.

:mad: