Easter shock horror: Optical Express.

[_dogma_]

I thought eye tests were free? I'm sure we get them free every two years. I've just shelled out £200 on new glasses!

[Kitten]

nope, eye tests are only free if you're on benefits, have a medical issue that entitles you to one for free, or via a work scheme.

You are entitled to a free sight test, paid for by the NHS, if:
you are under 16 years of age,
you are 16, 17, or 18, and in full-time education,
you are 60 or over,
you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma,
you are 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma,
an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) has advised you that you’re at risk of glaucoma,
you are registered as blind or partially sighted,
you are prescribed complex lenses – these are lenses with a power of 10 dioptres or more, or prism controlled bifocal lenses,
your sight tests are usually done through a hospital eye department, as part of your care for an existing eye condition, or
you are a war pensioner and you need the sight test because of a disability for which you get a war pension.

You are entitled to full help with health costs, including sight tests, if you or your partner receive:
Income Support,
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance,
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

You can also get a free NHS sight test if you’re entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
If you’re eligible for help with NHS costs under the NHS Low Income Scheme, you can claim some or all of the cost of sight tests for you, your partner and your children.

I've just done the same! £218 for two pairs, though one are reactions lenses \o/ I have stupid thick lenses too so I pay a bit more to have them thinned.

[Psymonkee]

Originally Posted by _dogma_

I thought eye tests were free? I'm sure we get them free every two years. I've just shelled out £200 on new glasses!

Free in Scotland

Woo and yay!

[Haly]

Originally Posted by Psymonkee

Free in Scotland

Woo and yay!

Alright for some

*eyes free prescriptions*......ohh, alright then

[Goose]

Originally Posted by AcidHell2

This, we are now in a 24/7 society

I wish someone would pass this message on to the owners of the shops here in Vejle. Despite the shops only being open from 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays (this catches me out every weekend), they took last Thursday off too. Out of the 5 days, the non-food shops were open for a total of 4 hours.

I'm not sure where I stand on working over bank holidays. Part of me says that we all end up doing it as a youth, so maybe it's a right of adulthood.

[Psymonkee]

Originally Posted by Haly

Alright for some

*eyes free prescriptions*......ohh, alright then

Oh were getting them too

[Fayshun]

Nearly 300 quid for me and Lom at Specsavers.

But I can claim 200 back from HSA and 200 back from the Hospital Saturday fund. Profit! And 2 pairs of glasses each to boot.

[_dogma_]

Originally Posted by Psymonkee

Free in Scotland

Woo and yay!

Yeah, baby

What I don't understand though, is if I was 19 and in full time education I get money off my glasses, the fact I'm 20 and in full time education I get nothing.

[Jonny69]

I think sight tests are £10 at Specsavers if you want the cheapest. I never had a problem with their prescriptions. Once you know what it is and what it looks like when it's changed you can pretty much guess your change in prescription anyway

[Lomster]

£22 for the test at specsavers, didn't realise it could be any cheaper, they never said there was an option robbing baskets!!!!
I still find it odd how they were open and doing tests on good friday but not for kids!!
Josh is happy he has the same glasses as his uncle, close friend's daughter and also Ben off eastenders lol