contact lens discussion thread (merged)

luellaaa

I don't remember what it's called, but you get those cards that entitle you to free health care. In the package it says" contact lenses" also, but i'm not sure how it works. I'm sure it'll tell you on the NHS website.

Other than that, I'm with Specsavers and choose to pay for elite lenses, but I know the basic ones are about 5 pound a pair for monthly ones. Surely that's a small price to pay for vanity lol?

Hope this helps!

allan1983

Surely that's a small price to pay for vanity lol?

Hey! It could well be that glasses will make me look intelligent in uni!!
But I may well get both, in case I ever have to try and put contacts in with a hangover!:beer:

[Deleted User]

allan1983 wrote: »

Sorry to anyone who clicked on this thread thinking it was going to be a link for free Contacts! Instead its a plea.

Im going to book an eye test in the next day or so, as im pretty sure im a candidate for specs.
What id prefer though is to wear contacts (if I can obviously)
Ive been to specsavers today to make some enquiries, as Im a full time student, and our household qualify and receive tax credits.
Ive found that I can get a free eye test, and money off a pair of glasses, but nothing off contacts,.

SO. I just wondered if anyone knew of any secret ways to get free ones (id settle for very cheap!!):rotfl:?

Thanks everyone:D

If you qualify for free nhs vouchers for glasses then these can be used towards contacts as well,or you may qualify on the basis of low income(being a student)via form HC1 avaliable from opticians gps dentist or chemist

wishiwasarichgirl

if you are a full time student under 19 or named on a valid tax exemption certificate you receive a free eye test and a voucher towards glasses OR contact lenses. The voucher value depends on you prescription, but if this is your first time needed spex you will probably qualify for a voucher "A" worth £36.20.

It is much better to use the voucher towards glasses, as most opticians will have a (small) range which are covered by the voucher value, and if you look after them they will last you for years. However if you use the voucher towards contact lenses this will probably only cover a few months' supply, after which you will pay full price for specs & contact lenses, as you will not be eligible for another NHS voucher for 2 years.
For this reason most opticians will advise you to use the voucher for glasses, in fact a lot will not fit you with lenses unless you have glasses, as it is a fact that contact lens wearers who do not have any "back-up specs" tend to overwear their lenses and so put their eyes at risk of infections.

In terms of where to get the best value contact lenses, you need to look at the whole package, not just the cost of the lenses. As a new wearer you will need a few appointments - a consultation to find out which lenses are suitable for you, with a session on how to insert/remove & care for your lenses, usually followed by a trial period followed by another checkup to see how your eyes have reacted to the lenses. You may need regular check ups (every 3-6 months) during the first year of wearing lenses, then it is generally every 12 months unless you are at higher risk of infections. For this reason it may be a good idea to go for one of the "packages" some opticians offer, as each check up appointment (routine or emergency, eg if you have a problem with your eyes) can cost between £20-£50 depending on where you live, and these are not covered by the NHS. When you have been wearing lenses for a while and don't need regular check ups then look into whether other packages/deals are better value.

choccytan

i work for specsavers and the nhs offial ruling is that the nhs vouchers i to be used for glasses only as they are necessary for ur eye sight where AS CONTACT LENSES ARE VIEWED as cosmetic wear.

therefor u have to use ur vocher for glasses unless there is a specific medical reaso nas to why u cannot wear glasses.

at specsavers we do a free trail though so u wont pay for ur fist few lenses. but our contacts doe atrt form 5 pound per month, depending on ur prescription and which lenses are suitable for ur lifestyle prescription and eye shape etc.

hope this helps.

Jordii

choccytan wrote: »

i work for specsavers and the nhs offial ruling is that the nhs vouchers i to be used for glasses only as they are necessary for ur eye sight where AS CONTACT LENSES ARE VIEWED as cosmetic wear.

therefor u have to use ur vocher for glasses unless there is a specific medical reaso nas to why u cannot wear glasses.

at specsavers we do a free trail though so u wont pay for ur fist few lenses. but our contacts doe atrt form 5 pound per month, depending on ur prescription and which lenses are suitable for ur lifestyle prescription and eye shape etc.

hope this helps.

I think you will find that you are wrong there. I have a copy of my NHS voucher, and it clearly states at the top that the voucher can be used for both glasses and contact lenses. And learn to spell while your at it!

Hello

Jordii wrote: »

And learn to spell while your at it!

you're

busterkeye

Jordii wrote: »

And learn to spell while your at it!

pmsl lolololololol

bet you feel daft now

lisyloo

I think that you will find you need glasses anyway even for emergencies.
You will probably find that you can't wear your lenses every single day.
You might run out or rip one whilst away from home or get a sore eye and not be able to wear them, so I am certain your optician will say you definitely need glasses even if you are only keeping them for very occsaional use or emergencies.

Jordii

busterkeye wrote: »

pmsl lolololololol

bet you feel daft now

Hahaha, and no i don't feel daft thank you. :laugh: at least I didn't spell every second word wrong