COVID-19 Eye Test Charges

lauramatthews171

I need an emergency appointment for drastic changes to my eye sight, my eye test is usually free, but told I will have to pay £25 upfront because the NHS have stopped paying for eye tests for everyone during the COVID crisis...is this true? 

Browntoa

Specsavers are still doing them in an emergency

Who did you book with

lauramatthews171

Browntoa said:

Specsavers are still doing them in an emergency

Who did you book with

I booked with Specsavers and they called me after to tell me about charges because they are not funded by the NHS during The Lockdown, I haven’t and can’t see any notifications on NHS websites about this. 

poppy12345

I haven't seen anything regarding this. Are you sure it was genuinely spec savers that rang you?

neilmcl

I think they've got this wrong or misunderstanding the rules. All routine NHS optometry services had been suspended, which include routine eye tests but if it's not routine then you should still be able to have one and there's nothing to say that this shouldn't be free if you're eligible.

Mrsn

Has the Dr requested you get this done? If so there is a special referral form (the red eye I think??) they can send over to your opticians which should help.

Thrugelmir

Specsavers are no doubt trying to cover their costs. Only offering emergency appointments in the shops themselves. Covid is coming at a cost to everyone.