Can dd go to the opticians on her own

[Glasses16]

I took dd 14 to specsavers today for an eye test. All the prescription has been sorted. I have paid what I needed to. So its now just collection and fitting that's needed.

Dd gos to the GP on her own and my understanding is as long as the child is capable this is OK. So I asked at the opticians if dd can come on her own next time and I was told no. When I questioned it . The woman was really rude. She came across very authoritive. Over talking me would not let me talk . She was going on about consent and that she knows bla bla. Her tone was awful she,was really speaking down to me. I'm quite sure she is wrong but didn't argue back. Apprently dd can't even collect her glasses unless I'm with her.

I have a child with special needs and sometimes it can be hard to go to theses places. Also Dd likes to do things on her own as she would do that on her own and meet with her friend.

I have found this (see pic) it does say at the bottom about checking policy so maybe that over rides things?

Not sure legally but certainly specsavers policy that an adult must be there with a child (can’t remember if that is under 16 or 18) but had the same conversation about DS collecting his own glasses.

Specsavers don't allow it, I'm not sure about other chains. Our local private optician doesn't allow it either. An adult must be there at the appointment and to collect the glasses with them.

What! My dd was definitely collecting her own glasses alone from year seven or eight from specsavers. She had to walk past it on the way home from school.

Oh thank you . I'm glad I didn't argue back. But she was extremely rude. She could have just explained it. Instead of being so horrible. I felt like shit on her shoe

That bit seemed very odd to me . OK of uts the first visit I kind of get it in a way . I don't agree though. But just to collect glasses seems very odd

It’s over 16 . It’s policy from the GOC ( general optical council )

A carer/ guardian or parent needs to sign the voucher for collection.

Under 16 the parent or guardian has to sign the NHS form for contribution to the glasses cost.
Without that they can't claim the money back.
So I would say that you do need to be there.

It seems to be a mixed message says they can . Then says they can't. Then says they will check the maturity of the child

Realistically though it doesn't matter what people on here say. If SS say no that's it

At ours, the payment and signing happens at the appointment, not at the pickup.

Very true.

I have already paid

Probably not . But there's teenagers that may come from a home where there special needs . Disabilities or disabled . And ir may be extremely hard for the parent to go . In my case I cam find a way of doing it. But that may not be the case for others.

It was mire of the rudeness that passed me off really and because of hiw she walk talking to me I wasn't sure if I believed her.

Glad I asked on here though as I have the answer now without making myself look like an idiot in store