how does it work with NHS (?) for getting contacts/glasses?

Wow! Thanks for all the info! I still have a valid prescription for my contacts, so I will get a few extra of those before I leave. I have already researched my saline solution (Clear Care- the one that uses the little vial) and Boots sells its own version of it and it's great. (phew) For the moment, my glasses are fine, so I guess I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it....

And ftr- I always go to an ophthalmologist here in the US for my eye exams. I had some bad experiences at Pearle Vision/Optometrist only places.

And lizzylou- that sucks about the patanol! I don't have a current script or I'd go stock up. Maybe I'll be lucky and won't need it anymore like you said!

I'll have to check out the schemes. I wear acuvue oasys torics (monthly) so those are usually a bit more. DH doesn't wear glasses or anything so he has no idea about any of that stuff. He hardly goes to the doctor for other stuff either!

Little anecdote...

I love love LOVE the optometrist at my local Boots (formerly D&A).  I saw an opthamalogist in the US, got a prescription, but noticed in the UK that DH kept being able to see clearer than me.  I decided to get a test (£20 plus £10 for the retinal scanning thingy) to double check my prescription, and my prescription was way too weak.  I got new glasses and it was amazing!  I could finally see!   

Little anecdote...

I love love LOVE the optometrist at my local Boots (formerly D&A).  I saw an opthamalogist in the US, got a prescription, but noticed in the UK that DH kept being able to see clearer than me.  I decided to get a test (£20 plus £10 for the retinal scanning thingy) to double check my prescription, and my prescription was way too weak.  I got new glasses and it was amazing!  I could finally see!   

Interesting! I sometimes think my prescription isn't quite right. I hate that whole "number 1? or number 2?" game with the glass thingy. It goes too fast and feels like a pop quiz I didn't study for! I might PM you once I get to London and find out where your local Boots is, if you don't mind.

I recently used Specsavers (which are franchises) for a vision test and contact lens fitting and was very pleased.

My 2 pairs of glasses and contact lenses cost roughly the same as in the US. However the care taken over the vision test, and finding just the right type of contact lens for me was wonderful.

I really like my D&A for my prescriptions, I have Ray Ban clubmasters, which cost about £180, with another very nice pair thrown in for free.

I used the D&A in Hammersmith and the optician there was really thorough and I'm really happy with my prescription. I'm thinking about Spex in the City for my next pair as I want to go a bit crazy.

If you want to save some money or get a couple of stupid pairs (like I have some giant fashion pairs - http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/londonretro-womens/ ) I get them from glasses direct for cheaps.

http://www.glassesdirect.co.uk/

I recently used Specsavers (which are franchises) for a vision test and contact lens fitting and was very pleased.

I use Specsavers too, as does everyone I know. I didn't even realise Boots had an optician service! Specsavers is great, in my experience - inexpensive, quick and convenient. 

My Boots optician is great.  James is his name - quite a great job he does!