How do the charges for glasses work in UK (England). I'm baffled.?

Question

I'm 53 and I've got to start wearing glasses. I'm in England. How does it work? I've had my eyes tested and got a prescription. But I'm can't understand what I am supposed to be paying. (I thought the prescription charge was about £6.75). Is there a website or leaflet that expalins it. (The opticians were just very keen to sell me something for £210 )

Answer 1

Specsavers is a good one

you just get your eyes tested prescription and go get the glasses made for you and after that you pay.

Answer 2

think you pay for more expensive lenses . go to specksavers.com and it will explain it all.  good luck

Answer 3

you go for a test which is free and chose a pair of glasses and pay for them thats all simple as that

ask them to show you what prices they are

some shops are cheaper than others and some even have offers you buy one pair and get sunglasses free e.g specsavers

Answer 4

Unless you're on benefits you pay the full cost of the glasses.

Answer 5

The prescription is different to your actual grasses. I think that even if you have an NHS exemption (such an HC2 certificate), they only take about £13 off the total price off the glasses, and my last pair cost £200, but it depends as you can get cheaper ones. The lenses alone were almost £100 as I had them thinned, added scratch resistance and glare resistance. So be aware that most of the time when the glasses have a price, it's only for the frame, then you need to add the lenses cost unless stated.

Shop around all the opticians for glasses, you are not obliged to buy them where you got tested. Just ask them for a copy of your prescription and take it wherever you end up finding the glasses you want to buy.

Btw, can I just say... you lucky thing!! Your first pair of glasses at 53!! I want your genes :). Mine were at 17 and I've spent so much money on glasses and contacts

Answer 6

Your glasses prescription is not the same as a medication prescription.  An optical prescription is just what strength of glass they need to put into each lens.  You take your prescription to the opticians and pick a pair of glasses.  They they put in the correct strength of glass so you  will be able to see properly. If you are on Income support you will be able to pick glasses up to a certain cost.  If you are on low income but don't get Income Support then you can apply for a HC2 form -this is a certificate for help with health costs.  If you are eligible it will tell you what NHS charges you will get help with.  The number to call for a form or to ask questions about one is: 0845 850 1166.  The form is also for medicine prescription charges and help with the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment under a consultant.  If you are not eligible for help then you have to pay the cost of your glasses and they will vary in price and quality just like any thing else that can be bought.  I hope this is of help?

http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/low_income.htm  This site as information about HC2 forms on it.

Edit

Carlita is correct but also wrong.  The amount of discount you get with an HC2 form is dependant on what your income is. So if it is below a certain amount you get full help and then it various according to how much you earn.  The more you earn the less you get towards your glasses.

Answer 7

An appointment ranges from about £20 and up, which includes a copy of your prescription.

You will need to pay for frame and lenses unless you are on any beneifts, or have a medical condition that allows you to have a voucher toward the cost.

Most  shops show the combined price of frame and single vision lenses.  The only additions to be made would be any coatings such as scratch resistant or anti reflective.

The next step up would be bifocals that allow you to use them for distance and reading.  Bifocals probably start from around an extra £50 to add on to the combined price.

The most expensive lenses are varifocals, they have your distance, intermediate and close prescriptions in one lens and it doesn't show a line like a bifocal does.  The general rule for a varifocal is, go for the best lens you can possibly afford.  There is some distortion at the sides of the lenses, the better the lens the less distortion there will be.

The price will depend on what your prescription is as there are many add ons like having lenses thinned down etc.

Answer 8

Prescription charges for medication are £7.10 per item but glasses are different I'm afraid. You will need to purchase frames and prescription lenses. You do not have to but at the Opticians where you had your eyes tested. My advice is to shop around and look for special offers, or you can buy glasses on line with your prescription lens fitted. However, some people say that the quality of on line glasses is poorer, so the choice is yours.