contact lens discussion thread (merged)

lyndsey80

Jordii wrote: »

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!

Bit harsh, she was only trying to help!

rosered100

If you need a cheap spare pair of glasses (I keep a pair in the car glovebox & one in my handbag in case) then I can recommend this company http://www.selectspecs.com/cheap-glasses/

Blackpool_Saver

even if you have lenses you need specs too, can't always wear lenses ........

Emm_appeal

look for the glasses for £5 thread...thats ya glasses sorted out

then try daysoft...by far the cheapest contact lenses...i have just ordered daysoft BUT I wont know until tomorrow whether they are any good ....lol

very cheap though!

gemmam_4

This site sells contacts cheaper than at a opticians. I've brought from them before they're pretty good: http://www.contactlenses.co.uk/
And thanks rosered100 for the link to the cheap glasses I think I'll buy myself a spare pair

nedmundo

Jordii wrote: »

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

I think you missed something.

Sorry - I couldn't resist it!

[Deleted User]

wishiwasarichgirl wrote: »

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.

I dont know where to start with the inaccuracies in the above post so I wont bother,just advise anyone considering contacts for the first time to discuss it with an optician and get the FACTS

Yogibear

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.

my experience of Specsavers[in West Lothian] is when you walk in the door and are a certain age with grey hair you are hassled into a seat,dont ask about offers the first thing they do is say `are you on benefits` when you say no,you are asked to sit in the waiting area all this guff from them about get a pair of specs and get another free is rubbish,if you have a high prescription - 27 the specs cost you in the region of £700 + the voucher value is sweeties

Yogibear

Emm_appeal wrote: »

look for the glasses for £5 thread...thats ya glasses sorted out

then try daysoft...by far the cheapest contact lenses...i have just ordered daysoft BUT I wont know until tomorrow whether they are any good ....lol

very cheap though!

`glasses for £5 contact lenses cheap dont know if they are any good?`,in the name of G*D you have one pair of eyes as Woodbine says go to an optician and get the FACTS

nedmundo

woodbine wrote: »

I dont know where to start with the inaccuracies in the above post so I wont bother,just advise anyone considering contacts for the first time to discuss it with an optician and get the FACTS

As an Optician, I have to say that WIWARG has got it spot on! Which bit do you take issue with?