Eye test

[maximo]

Could you tell me how much an eye test costs here in the UK ? I think I need to have my glasses replaced, but I had my test done in France last time ( and with Social Security, it was free ). Sorry if this is the wrong section ! Thanks. M.

[Gilli]

I think that last time I had mine done (at Specsavers) it was �20.

Beware that if you sometimes wear contact lenses as well as glasses that you'll be required to have a separate "lenses check" - I think this costs not much less, if not the same.

I'm convinced that up until about 5-6 years ago, you had your eye test and were then issued with glasses and/or lenses as required. They try to pass off the lenses test as being essential (and won't sell you lenses without it) & admittedly, some of the procedures used are different, but previously, the singular test did used to check all that was necessary to check, whatever your chosen method of vision correction.

Presumably, somebody in marketing at one of the opticians suddenly had the brainwave of generating loads of extra dosh by using 2 tests - and all other opticians followed.

[thebigchill]

If you shop around you can get the eye test done for free, but if you are paying for it it could cost between �10-�25. some places only offer it free if you agree to buy your glasses from their store.

[smudge]

I had mine done at SpecSavers  - it would have cost me �20, but I had �10 voucher which I'd cut out of the newspaper.

If you do go to S/S, you could always say you left your voucher at home, I did & they still honoured it!

[maximo]

Thank you all for your answers ! I have just read another thread on the subject , and learned that my employer might have to pay for it , as I my job requires me to use a computer 8 hours a day. I am on my way to ask HR now ! Cheers !

[Octavius]

If you use a pc regularly they should pay for the eye test and also pay a nominal contribution towards glasses. 

[smudge]

Your welcome max. I used to send all the girls at work for regular eye tests & the Company always paid for them.

[maximo]

Hi again ! Just to keep you updated on the fascinating subject of my eye test ( mmmmhh....) : I have just asked HR, and they will get me an appointment for a free test, so all good !  However , they said they do not contribute towards the cost of glasses. I am thus embarking on a google expedition to check the rules on the subject, since Octavius said they should contribute. Aaahhh...I'm working so hard....Cheers all !

[Gevs1966]

I would strongly advise against getting your eyes tested at any high street opticians but instead to seek out an independent specialist or get them tested through a health service. High St opticians are there to make money and therefore they are not looking out for your best interests but merely trying to sell you glasses/lenses and will tell you that you need glasses when you don't.

[Octavius]

They don't have to contribute to the cost of glasses (my company gives �50) but under HSE Regs they must make sure that you are given an eye test. 

[silly moo]

Not necessarily true that high street places never tell you that you don't need glasses.
The opticians are highly trained, qualified and professional people.
My daughters have always been told their eyes were fine. With family history of eye problems they have been for eyesight tests on a regular basis since approx 4 yrs old.

I was also told in different places that I couldn't have contacts as my eyes not suitable - dry and itchy. With new lenses I could now try if they made them in my prescription.

[smudge]

max - Thought I'd better add that our Company only paid for eye tests, not the glasses.

[smudge]

P.S. I used to think like you Gevs - but if it wasn't for my varifocals, I wouldn't be able to see the words on the screen clearly enough to type this!

I used to be able to thread cotton into the tiniest eye of a needle - but due to years of computer work & the passing of time - I need the assistance of my trendy spec's! 

[THECORBYLOON]

The law relating to Display Screen Equipment is the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 and can be seen here.

[Gevs1966]

What I mean is that if there is a tiny defect in your eyesight (not enough to warrant the need for glasses) then a lot of the time they will try to sell you the glasses anyway. This comes from a friend of mine who used to work in the business and was also recently in the news.

 

I'm not saying that they ALL do it but how do you know which ones do and which ones don't?

[smudge]

That wouldn't surprise me at all Gevs!

The sales manager in our local SpecSavers is very pushy - I've heard him giving people the usual "If I were you I'd go for this, that & the other" when you can see full well, that people just want to be able to see clearly, but not end up paying the 'earth' for it!

The medical issues are always a concern though.