Is this spectacles purchase a breach of contract?

Obtom

Hi all,

So, earlier today I purchased a new set of glasses from a high street chain of opticians. I get a contribution towards the cost of these from the NHS and I paid the remainder in full. So far so good.

Then later today I received a voicemail to say that the NHS voucher wasn’t worth as much as initially stated and I need to pay more. I’m not going to struggle to pay the extra but it does irk somewhat.

I’ve taken a look at the sticky post on this forum and if it was a straight cash payment it seems like the retailer would be in breach of contract. But as part of the payment comes from the NHS I’m not sure what the situation is.

Any thoughts appreciated!

Cheers, Tom

MalMonroe

Hi, I also have an NHS voucher and what usually happens at the opticians is I give them the voucher, they show me the glasses I can have and also the ones I can have if I pay extra. I usually pay half at the time and then the other half when I collect the specs. However, in your situation, I'd definitely go back to the opticians and sit down and go through the bill with them. (Making sure I asked questions about why they got it wrong.) In any case, given that they made a mistake and you paid in full, I'd have thought that as a goodwill gesture they'd just leave things as they are. Why not ask for that? In my experience (glasses broke after 9 months and I had to fight to get my free replacement), there are some very blurry edges when it comes to opticians and the law. You could always go back, ask for a full refund, since they made an error, and go to a different optician. They should have given you a prescription, and you don't have to buy your glasses from them. Make sure you let them know you'll be spreading the word as well as never darkening their doorstep again. You don't have to be bullied by businesses in this way.