An MP requests help

[Sweet]

Peer pressure is a bad thing you know! LOL!! Although Lynn and Ali are both very nice and might be able to help if needed!

Sweet X x X

[jayuk]

Lol.....in that case one of them better do it!..before I get my Keratometrixs to anihalate those against the revolution!

Well i def thing its needed; and Id like to think others may share the opinion...as the board is now very busy and its very easy for erroneous comments to be made which arent backed up to be honest. Plus I think it adds alot of value to the board when someone / some people can actually answer with authority........

[Sweet]

I think that Marion has it under control as this is her idea and she will be commenting on it when she can!! But sometimes we just need to ask as those in authority are often more than happy to help!

Sweet X x X

[jayuk]

Ermm Marion?....I think we may have got wires crossed...I think what she is doing is Ace.....and wouldnt really see any point in anyone else tagging on....as its ovbious she is pursuing this in the correct manner

I was talking about someone for the board who was willing to dedicate their time..similar to the users...but in a more permanent manor......and above all someone qualified.......thats of course if others also agree in feel the need

[jayboi2005]

jayuk! Sounds good, the search is on.

[Lynn White]

Just going back on topic here... I have been giving this some thought.

Currently, contact lens solutions are sold by opticians, supermarkets, pharmacies, places like superdrug and the internet. Designating them as available on prescription would restrict your access to them to pharmacies only - these other outlets would not be able to redeem a prescription. Plus - depending on your contact lens type, some opticians do a deal with Contact lenses and solutions included.

Plus... I presume here unless you are exempt on income grounds, you are going to pay the standard prescription charge per item which is around £6.50 - this is more expensive than some of the actual retail prices of some items, though obviously less if you buy a 3 month supply of a solution.

Generally, I cannot see the whole range of solutions being put on the NHS list as they won't even approve Systane for dry eyes as its expensive. (This is NICE - that body who decides what goes on the prescribing list). It is more probable that a limited number be approved ...

The danger here is that this initiative could be directed back through the hospitals - with consequential reduction in choice and flexibility from your point of view. It needs carefully thinking through!

Lynn

[jayuk]

Lynn

I agree..but what if they were discounted ? Like the lenses?...surely that will have minimal impact; depending on the total number that COULD be discounted?

J

[GarethB]

Lynn,

It would work if they were given on an annual or three month package as is done by some IVF clinics.

For IVF treatment I think we had six items to last the whole IVF cycle. If we had them as and when the cost would have literally been 10 times more.

3 Month pack has most of what we need, so add saline and protein pils, three charges because it is not based on quanatity.

[Sweet]

Sorry haven't read this yet am in middle of food fight in Chit Chat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gee you two how did you get to read and reply here amongst getting splattered!!!!!!!!

[Lynn White]

Yes I agree... the whole package would have to be looked at - minimum 3 months supply to be any kind of financial saving. Or, as Jay suggests, a "voucher" against preferred contact lens types.

The prescription method has to be mediated either through a GP or consultant, as optoms can't prescribe. A voucher system could be used at point of sale through optical outlets. To me, the latter would make more sense as we are more involved in the contact lens process and are already expert in contact lens solution advice - GP's would have to learn all about solutions to make sure they knew what to prescribe and to make sure they were comaptible with the type of lens the patient was wearing.

Lynn