Eye exams - free on NHS?

I called Black & Lizars, but they said I'd have to pay £36 but I think that's because of my accent.  So, I did ask if it was free and they said yes, but if I was a resident.

All the ones I called were free, but I only called a few until I found one with an appointment free that day.  I'm due for my yearly exam this month, so will look into it and let you know.

A tip for getting one free eye test (and a bit of a plug for the company I work for) - if you join the Boots Health Club (in association with the Ad Card), you get a voucher for a free eye test. It takes a few weeks to arrive, but if you are in need of a test soon, that's a way to get it free. Also, if you use the Advantage Point machines in the larger stores, you can often print a voucher that gives you a free eye test when you buy a complete set of frames.

I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but in the store I work in, Boots eye tests are only £18, not £25. I think they are £20 in Specsavers, but I recently got a test done there for only £5 on a special offer.

Both my parents are entitled to free eye tests as my mum works at a computer all day and my dad's prescription is really strong (-10!), but my brother and I aren't - even though we're both in full-time education, we're also both over 21, so we don't qualify for free tests at the moment.

and my dad's prescription is really strong (-10!)

I beat that! -12!! But I see a private doctor just because of that. My contacts have to be specially made.

I think companies are required to pay for your eye exams if you work with VDU's every day. Which may be why your co-workers assumed that. Have you checked your employee benefits? Most companies will give you a voucher for a free eyecare test, but you need to request it before you take the test.

That's right, they are.  But most employees don't realise so don't ask.

Vicky

I got my free eye test today.  They are free on the NHS in Scotland! 

That's right, they are.  But most employees don't realise so don't ask.

Vicky

I don't understand why it would be a faux pas to ask about a service that they are required to give? If they don't know, surely it should be brought to their attention??

I don't understand why it would be a faux pas to ask about a service that they are required to give? If they don't know, surely it should be brought to their attention??

Yes but sadly many employers aren't going to bring something to their employees' attention if it is going to cost the company money.