How to get medical glasses

eloy7

I am temporary in the UK. I tried to change my medical glasses, but the lady in the shop told me I need to have NHS number or something like that (medical record in the UK). I tried to get one by registering with a GP, but the first available appointment was one month from now, and I had to give urine test too.

Is it really that difficult for a non-UK person to get medical glasses in the UK. Are all these processes necessary, or I have been misguided?

donnac2558

The NHS is for people who live in the UK permanently.

I am sure you can get an eye test done privately and buy your new glasses.

GwylimT

Yes it can be difficult, I found vision express don't ask for your nhs number, when I didn't give GP details they were fine, specsavers however wanted info about GP registration to even do a test.

Armchair23

You can go to any opticians and be seen privately, that means you pay in full for your eye test and glasses/contacts and it isn't subsidised by the NHS.

If you are from the EU and hope to have a subsidised rate you will need to prove your entitlement.

pmduk

Can someone clarify for me? I understood the norm is for eye tests to be private (ie unsubsidised) unless the patient is certain age/medical categories.

Armchair23

Some of the chains offer free eye tests as loss leaders so your age status and health are immaterial as they hope to make it up dispensing glasses.

This gives the NHS aspect
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx

Does that help ?

C_Mababejive

See here

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx


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prowla

You can have your eyes tested and get them to give you the prescription (they have to!) and then shop online for cheap specs, maybe even via a cashback site.

kirtondm

Not sure what you mean by medical specs. But it would depend where you are coming from.


Optical care is not included under emergency care and would eligibility is generally taken as registered with a GP

sheramber

You need to ask for a private eye test. Costs approx £30 depending on the optician.

GwylimT

pmduk wrote: »

Can someone clarify for me? I understood the norm is for eye tests to be private (ie unsubsidised) unless the patient is certain age/medical categories.

Yes, however many opticians require your nhs number/want to know who your GP is, so if you have neither you are turned away.