eye exam- nhs?

both my older sisters needed glass around the age i am now (26).  we all think it's from sitting in front of a computer all day (yes, i know i'm supose ot take breaks and look into the distance for a set period of time, etc...). 

my eyes are aching these days, i'm finding that my eyes don't change from close to far as quickly as they used to (although after a few seconds far is completely clear), i also feel like driving at night my depth perception isn't as good as it used to be.

this is all leading to the question- does the NHS cover eye exams as part of their service? i wonder if my supplemental health insurance would.  going back to US in june- and i still have health insurance there- wonder if they cover it.  one of these three should. anyone's experience with eye care on nhs or uk in general?

does the NHS cover eye exams as part of their service? 

As I recall, a friend (a native Brit) told me once that they do, but her comment was something like they only pay for the dorkiest looking (cheap) glasses.  Then again, she could be something of a toff from time to time, so maybe not the most reliable source.  I need to find out too though 'cause I'm probably due for some new glasses.

http://www.colemanopticians.co.uk/NHS_Eye_examinations.html

Here ya go!!

There's a section on the NHS website about opticians. Included is a section about whether or not you are entitled to a free exam or not. I read it and still wasn't able to figure it out. However, if you have private insurance, it may include eye exams and possibly a higher amount to spend on frames. I believe my company has some sort of setup like that.

Here's the NHS link....http://www.nhs.uk/England/Opticians/NhsSightTests.cmsx

Both posts have the same info, I found it pretty straight forward.

looking around at those sites it looks like a private eye exam isn't too too bad, £22.  i could always take info and get the glasses in the US (if i need them) and i think that insurance will cover some of the cost (the first $100 comes to mind).

Your employer should pay for your eye check up - don't know if this is the 'law' or what, but my employers have always paid it (and I have worked for some cheap outfits, so if they paid, it must have been the law!!).

Ask your HR department or colleagues.

If you don't work, then I'm not sure, maybe the links will help.

I did that....but I paid only £15.00 for the exam, then when I was visiting the states, I found a inexpensive glasses place, and had my hubby fax the prescription to me, so I could get the glasses there.

Sorry, didn't see ca_girls post before I posted. I checked my companies policy (I work for a large software company that generally has very good benefits). It sounds like there is some sort of law that requires to provide free eye exams if you work with computers...

"Under the Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992), all employees who use VDU equipment are entitled to have the cost of an eye test reimbursed by the Company."

My company also only covers frames if they are used for working on the computer and its a pretty small amount. As mentioned by others above, your HR company should be able to provide you more info.

My employer pays for the exam and some employers will pay for a portion of the cost of glasses if your prescription changes while you're working there.

I just had an eye exam at D&A - they had a deal that if you booked the appt. online they emailed a coupon for 1/2 off the exam. So even though my employer paid, it only cost a tenner!

I got a free eye exam and the first set of contact lenses free from ASDA. 

They will give you the prescription too, so you can get frames or lenses elsewhere.

I wear lenses generally so I didn't care too much about the frames and they were only 20 pounds.

I got a free eye exam and the first set of contact lenses free from ASDA. 

Wow how?  Did you have to buy something?  Or agree to buy more contacts?  That sounds too good to be true!  Tell us more!

It was a pre-Christmas deal- I was surprised too, but I guess most people just go ahead and order them from them.  I think even without the deal the eye exam is not expensive there.

FYI, if you are diabetic,  you get a yearly free diabetic eye exam.

wow- if you don't ask you don't know.  my company covers annual eye screenings for those people who use the computer daily.  they also cover £70 for eyeglasses annually if they are required b/c your work.  who knew!?!?