Cost of glasses

[Anne Klepacz]

Post graft, the first option is often glasses as contact lenses aren't usually possible before the stitches come out. But this often involves a complex and so expensive prescription. I had thought that anyone on benefit would get specs free (as they do for contact lenses). But one of our members tells me she was told she was only entitled to £50 off the cost of her glasses - not much help when the total cost is £250! Has anyone else come up against this rule, or managed to get their glasses free?
Anne

[John Smith]

For my non-grafted eye, my spectacle prescription is classed as "Complex", and therefore I am entitled to free NHS sight tests and a discount off the specs themselves. This is not a means-tested benefit.

I have discovered though that the discount is on a per-prescription basis - the same £50 reduction is applicable whether you are ordering a complete new pair of glasses, or just a single lens replacement. So in theory, you could order a single left lens then a single right lens, and get £100 discount! This doesn't seem to be related to the "complex" eye, as I recently changed just my right lens, and it is my left with the complex prescription!

I imagine that the member concerned has been offered the complex discount, rather than an allowance to someone who is on benefit. Probably worth double-checking.

John.

[Richard In Wales]

I was given a script for glasses just before Xmas, I went to spec savers and told them seeing as the lens was going to change in 4-6 weeks I didn't want any fancy frames just the basic set. I got my glasses free then, one lens is clear so there was no cost for that, they even put a slight tint on them for free as well. I think your friend should look at the free frames first as that's what costs the money