Do you get free eye tests when pregnant?

[Miss.Monroe]

i finally got my NHS card through, but im not sure if i get free eye tests with it?

i read on yahoo answers that when your pregnant your hormones make your eyes different and so your prescription wont be correct, is that true!?

 

[Fly]

Yep n Yep! You get free eyetests and dental checks and all sorts whilst pregnant and yes your eyes can change quite significantly whilst pregnant.. with my son i went from being long sighted to being short sighted I currently have perfect 20:20 vision so it will be interesting to find out if my eyes change at all with this pregnancy

 

[nickilubs]

Woop I'm gonna go get my eyes tested! haven't had it done in a few years even though I need glasses it costs too much! And I always get given the NHS children's glasses because my face is too small for big people ones!

 

[HideiLu]

Oooh I was told no?!! How do I do that then? Just booked the test and show them my little card?! x

 

[nickilubs]

What is the little card? I want one too!

 

[HideiLu]

I filed in a form from the doctors when I first got pregnant Nikki which you send of and get a maternity exemption card to get free prescriptions and dental care x

 

[Mildly]

Damn I just got a free eyetest voucher from work as I work on a VDU screen all day. Had no idea I could get a free test because I'm pregnant. I suppose free glasses are too much to ask though?

 

[aramintalovegrove]

Damn I just got a free eyetest voucher from work as I work on a VDU screen all day. Had no idea I could get a free test because I'm pregnant. I suppose free glasses are too much to ask though?

Ask your work about glasses I have worked in a few organisations that either pay for or give you an amount towards glasses if you need them specifically for your job i.e. you dont have glasses for anything other than reading the VDU

 

[Mildly]

Damn I just got a free eyetest voucher from work as I work on a VDU screen all day. Had no idea I could get a free test because I'm pregnant. I suppose free glasses are too much to ask though?

Ask your work about glasses I have worked in a few organisations that either pay for or give you an amount towards glasses if you need them specifically for your job i.e. you dont have glasses for anything other than reading the VDU

Unfortunately I am short-sighted anyway so full price glasses for me I only wear them when I'm driving though!

 

[Laura_James&Amber]

i thought my exemption card would come through automatically, i didn't realise i would have to fill out a form!
I think you can get free eye tests and dental checks until your baby is 12 months old. then we have to pay again

 

[MagicMarkers]

Iv just had an eyetest, grrr knew it was free dentist and prescriptions once my card comes through but didnt think about eyes,

 

[Suzie and Faith]

I'm afraid to say it doesn't give you free eye tests

 

[JoAnn&Aimee]

i read on yahoo answers that when your pregnant your hormones make your eyes different and so your prescription wont be correct, is that true!?

I can testify to that right now. I am sat here with my glasses on with my face all screwed up trying to read the text!

 

[Sherlock]

Ditto what BabyBee said, its not for eye tests. Still have to pay for those when pregnant.

 

[dannii87]

i thought my exemption card would come through automatically, i didn't realise i would have to fill out a form!

I haven't filled out a form either!! I went to the dentist last week and they didn't ask for any proof!

This is probably really cheeky, but I have an optician appt this Saturday, will I get my contacts free too?! That was a genuine question!!

 

[kerryp]

you DONT get free eye tests... its only free prescriptions & dental until baby is 12 months old (or date on the card). sorry guys.

 

[Sherlock]

I haven't filled out a form either!! I went to the dentist last week and they didn't ask for any proof!

This is probably really cheeky, but I have an optician appt this Saturday, will I get my contacts free too?! That was a genuine question!!

lol, eye tests and so on are not free when PG. Its a myth

And fwiw, you should have an NHS medical card to present when getting prescriptions filled etc. It is still valid once your baby is here and pregnancy is non visible as such and without it you may not get free scripts. Some places do take you at your word (esp with visible bump) but others like to check the card.

Get a form from your GP's surgery. More info here

http://www.nhs.uk/Healthcosts/Pages/Pre ... costs.aspx

FWIW here is the info on eyecare costs and pregnancy does not qualify you

http://www.nhs.uk/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx

 

[Fly]

well i'm buggered... lol well thats changed then cos i am positive i had a free eyetest when i was pregnant with my son - ooops sorry for giving misleading advice there

 

[Rachael]

NO i'm afraid! - Maternity Exeption Certificate only makes you eligible for free NHS Prescriptions and free NHS Dental Treatment.
-Free sight tests and optical vouchers are only availbe to people exempt due to age (under 16 or over 60) and people with certain medical conditions.

Howevere if you or your partner recieve Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or you have an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate you are entitled to Vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses - But its not your Maternity Exemption Certificate that gains you this entitlement.

 

[Miss.Monroe]

thanks everyone for your help