How do opticians find out that I'm claiming universal credit?

Enigma16

I called the opticians (boots) yesterday to find out about getting an eye test and glasses while on UC. I explained that the jobcentre do not send any proof that I'm on UC, because everything is online on my journal.

The receptionist told me that doesn't matter because I will sit down and fill out an NHS exemption form. However, what I'm wondering is how they find out I am claiming UC if I don't have physical proof. Do they have a number they call to find this stuff out?

GlasweJen

Enigma16 wrote: »

I called the opticians (boots) yesterday to find out about getting an eye test and glasses while on UC. I explained that the jobcentre do not send any proof that I'm on UC, because everything is online on my journal.

The receptionist told me that doesn't matter because I will sit down and fill out an NHS exemption form. However, what I'm wondering is how they find out I am claiming UC if I don't have physical proof. Do they have a number they call to find this stuff out?

No, we send all forms to nhs practitioner services (might be called something different in England) and they screen out those who are entitled from those who aren't and fine the ones who fraudulently claimed the optical voucher.

There's a box on the form so if you produced evidence we could leave it blank so that form didn't need scrutinised and could be processed faster and those with no evidence in theory got more processing checks but I have no idea if they did or didn't.

From a patient point of view you'd tell us you were entitled and we'd just ask a few mandatory questions relating to your last test and pair of glasses, check your glasses for scratches and frame condition and carry out the test if one is due. It isn't the opticians job to assess voucher eligibility.