NHS Contacts

[blurrylights]

Hi.

Been to the optitians today, told him that I wasn't getting along with Contacts, and that I would like to go back to Glasses.

He said that was ok, but that because it was not Contacts I would have to pay for the test, fitting and Glasses.

I don't have a problem paying for it, I was just wondering why the NHS covers Contact Lenses and tests, but not Glasses and test? Seems a bit strange.

Regards,
Sam

[Andrew MacLean]

Sam

I don't know about where you are, but in Scotland all eye tests are free.

And, as for NHS lenses, all of the contact lenses I have ever worn were provided on the NHS scheme: several sorts of RGP's (includind Rose K), kerasoft, hybrids, piggy back and scleral.

Your experience sound odd. I do have to pay for my specs but as I work with a vdu I can get some tax back on them.

Every good wish.

Andrew

[Anne Klepacz]

Yes, there are lots of advantages to living in Scotland! Unfortunately sight tests aren't free in England except for those with a 'complex' prescription (whatever that means!) And while those with a clinical need for contact lenses get them at the NHS rate, there's no such concession for glasses. The NHS is full of anomalies like that.
Anne

[Lynn White]

Complex spectacle prescriptions are those that are over 10.00D in the spherical power.

The system in the UK (outside of Scotland) is that if you have a condition that can only be corrected by medically necessary contact lenses, then hospitals (or private contractors who contract their services to the NHS) will see you for tests free of charge and you get a subsidy towards the contact lenses through the HES (Hospital Eye Service). If you are in work, that means you pay £52.90 per lens.If you receive certain benefits, you will not have to pay this charge.

With spectacles, if you receive benefits you can get a voucher towards the cost of glasses that is worth a set amount of money dependent on your spectacle refraction. However, this is generally not enough to cover the total costs of glasses and you usually have to pay a fair amount towards them if you want a decent pair.

This is why you might have got CLs free but not glasses.

At least the NHS recognises medically necessary contact lenses. The private health insurance industry does not recognise them at all, even if you cannot see anything with glasses and rely on contacts solely to see.

Lynn