Free glasses with HC2 certificate

Sidibousaid

I needed new glasses when I started a new job. I am named on an HC2 certificate, so I am entitled to a free eye test and free glasses. After the test the optician said I needed new reading glasses, new intermediate, which I haven't needed before, and that I might benefit from distance glasses too. The intermediate ones are the ones I need for work. I was then told, by the manager that I could have the reading and distance ones for free, but that an HC2 does not cover intermediate glasses. Can anyone tell me if this is the case. I have a decent pair of reading glasses already, and I drive without distance glasses, so I don't really need these, but the intermediate ones would make it easier for me to do my job, and it seems odd that I have to pay for those specific ones.

Enterprise_1701C

I don't know the answer to that question, but if you need them for work have you asked if your work would cover them? I know some large businesses do.

If not have a look here https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-glasses-discounts.

Have to admit not sure what you mean by intermediate, I have varifocals that cover the lot, but am sure if you can't see the information you need on the sites recommended above they will answer any questions.

pmduk

Intermediate is a phrase used to cover glasses used for computer work because the focus is between reading distance and general distance vision.

OP AIUI If you use a computer at work your employer should be providing you with tests and glasses at their expense. I'll try to find a link.

ETA:https://www.xperthr.co.uk/faq/are-employers-required-to-pay-for-eye-tests-and-glasses-for-their-visual-display-unit-operatives/68331/

Sidibousaid

Thank you for replying. I'm sure varifocals would do the job for me, however, they are definitely not covered by an HC2 certificate. I have this as I am only able to work limited hours due to my partners illness, and therefore have no spare money. I literally work to pay the mortgage and bills, there is nothing left after this.. In the past I have had free eye tests and free reading glasses, and that is all I've needed. Now though, it appears I need the 'intermediate' ones, to read bar codes, and view the screen on a handheld gizmo, but am being told that these are not free, even if I choose the same frames which would be free for reading glasses or distance glasses. This is what is confusing me. It is only costing £45, but that is also money I need to pay the bills, or buy several days food for the three of us. In all probability I will end up paying for them, even though I am not convinced I should, as I'm struggling to do the job without them. I have looked all over the internet to find something which backs up his assertion that intermediate ones are not covered by the HC2, and cannot find anything, which is why I asked the question on here. Once again, thanks for replying.

kirtondm

The NHS will either give you

1) 1 bifocal voucher which can be used towards bifocals / varfiocals.
2) 2 vouchers 1 for distance and 1 for a near distance. Thier is some debate as to whether you are allowed to use the near voucher for an intermediate pair so will depend on the opticains you see.

The NHS will under no circumstances offer you a voucher for distance / intermediate and near even if you require it.

Some opticains will give you a voucher coverd pair of varifocals e.g. specsavers.

Although if you do require a VDU pair for work , work are legally obliged to provide it for you.

The obvious solution here is to use the voucher for an intermediate pair if they will allow it or to use it for varifocals

pmduk

Shop around with your prescription, Specsavers have glasses from £25, they can be cheaper online from places such as Selectspecs.

kirtondm

online sites rarely (if ever? ) accept NHS vouchers.


Possible to pick up a 'free' pair of varifocal specs from species according to their website.

GlasweJen

Certainly in Scotland you can't use your NHS prescription for intermediate glasses, the top line is for distance and bottom line is for near. You must dispense the full near correction and can't dispense a VDU only prescription. I would imagine any optician using an nhs voucher for VDU/intermediate glasses would be skating on thin ice.

pmduk

kirtondm wrote: »

online sites rarely (if ever? ) accept NHS vouchers.

Never, it's not permitted. I mentioned online purchases as a source of cheaper glasses rather than obtaining free NHS pairs.

kirtondm

how would a cheap pair of specs be cheaper than a 'free' pair ?

Sites are allowed to use vouchers and some of them used to but I think gave up just to the NHS admin burden.

GlasweJen

Has the primary holder of the HC2 certificate reported the change of circumstances (i.e your new source of income) to the NHS? As HC2 are issues only to those on extremely low incomes you might not be entitled to use the certificate if you are now in work even if the certificate is still in date.

Assuming you're entitled to use the voucher why not get the reading glasses and move your screen to your reading distance so that you can use your reading glasses to see it until you establish if your employer is happy to help towards the cost? Or adjust the font on the screen so that you can see it without correction?