Free NHS eye tests

[charlie1431]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is not the right place to post - 1st time I have posted but looking for a bit of advice on the eligibility of free NHS eye tests.

Last year I had my eyes tested at a local opticians and they informed me that I could have free eye tests under the complex lenses scheme. My prescription was -10.

This year my KC has progressed and my prescription is an 11. the optician said I could have a free eye test but has since phoned me today, 2 weeks later to say that unfortunately I can't and need to go and pay the £25 fee.

They were only going to put an 8 in my lenses (I think they are a 7 at the moment) as she said I wouldn't be able to cope with the difference.
Sorry, the figures on prescriptions always confuse me & I don't understand them.

Does anyone know the parameters for a free eye test under the complex lenses scheme, please?

I find it strange it was free last year but not this year when they have worsened.

Many thanks for your help.

Charlotte

[Lia Williams]

Hi Charlotte,

The criteria for a free eye test are on the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcos ... costs.aspx

One of entitlements for a free NHS sight test if you:

"are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher"

and to be eligible for a complex voucher your lenses need to be either -10/+10 dioptres or more, or prism-controlled bifocal lenses.

So if your prescription was for -11 then I believe that you would qualify for a free eye test.

Lia

[charlie1431]

Thank you for your reply Lia.

I had seen this site but had not come across about the information on the complex lenses so thanks very much for showing me this.

I have spoken to another opticians today and I think the reason I am not entitled to a free eye test is it was 2 weeks short of been 12 months. And as you probably know you are only entitled to one free eye test in 12 months.

Thanks again
Charlotte