Dear Richi Sunak

[CarolineFields]

I have been a teacher for 30 years, and have at different times been head of department and head of year. Unfortunately, as a mother, it was impossible for me to full fill these roles because of the workload, so I resigned from both.

I made sacrifices to support my child through state school and university

I couldn't afford to replace my glasses, the prescription I used was 5 years out of date.

I have one pair of school shoes, and because I can't afford the bus, and walk 5 miles to school several times a week, I leave my shoes at school, because if they wear out I won't be able to replace them

I used a 10 year old asthma inhaler rather than pay the prescription charge for a new one.

The cats and I shared one heated vest under a duvet rather than turn on the central heating

I save a little bit by charging my phone and laptop from a camping style solar panel - I don't know how much this actually saves, but it must be something, right?

Holidays were camping, by public transport, off peak.

I am middle income, middle class, and consider myself reasonably comfortably well off- no serious worries about housing or food, as so many people suffer with daily.

I have never, in my wildest dreams considered the ludicrous and insane extravagance of taking out a sky tv subscription.

I understand that to some people this is a top priority, as football is such a crucial aspect of our countries cultural life. People who do take this out, will be making massive cuts elsewhere

I am very sorry, but I cannot begin to understand where you are coming from, believing that missing out on sky TV is some sort of sacrifice or deprivation.

I am stunned. I am gobsmacked. I can't take it in. I don't know what to say. I am reeling. I am so shocked. I don't know what it would have been possible to say to alienate me more than what you have just said.

I am sorry. I am struggling to articulate the depth of my astoundedness. It is like my soul can't absorb the words and gags on them. Its like a soul emetic

Thanks - I shall go check it out.

It was particularly annoying because I now need my prescription changed every year, not every two years. (I've been told that this happens with some people as they age - I'm in my 60s.)

And I know I've been going there for about 12 years and it never has.

Maybe not in your branch.

I went into a Fife branch for the first time ever, expecting to get the two-for-one deal for one pair of distance and one pair of readers. Was told that - unfortunately, the glasses had to be the same prescription.

Why there would be a difference between your experience and mine, I have no idea. This was December. My usual optometrist was closed for the holiday period and I went there because I'd had an emergency.

I was impressed by the service I received and decided to make use of the offer.

I don't doubt what you're telling me, but I found this after a quick Google. Someone's experience from 10 yrs ago.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5050694/specsavers-hidden-cost-in-2-for-1-offer

Specsavers' own ad says that the two-for-one is for the same prescription:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/offers/2-for-1-glasses-from-gbp70

I never mentioned Specsavers. I gave my experience of Asda. One set of glasses for £80 with mega mega ultra thin super dooper astigmatism, keratoconus and a -14 prescription lenses.

I'm trying to help people, I'm not sat making up stories thinking this is jackanory!!

The conversation stemmed back to my advice to go to ASDA.

Thank you.

You quoted my post where I'd specified Specsavers and said "And I know I've been going there for about 12 years and it never has."

That's why I thought that you were referring to Specsavers.

I know that Asda's was mentioned upthread.

You're a teacher but camp off peak? You want to know who really might live like that? Your on more money than me and I don't live like a 1800s peasant.

I just got so nowty I didn't read as far as Specsavers! 🤣 I gave my experience and the reply of "Well all I know is that's not been the case with me" and felt like I was being called a liar, hence my reply of "Well all I know is that's true for me for 12 years" (mentally followed by an "UP YOURS!").

Evidentally it's been a long stressful day, and now I'm home and in my deep bubble bath I realise I should have....aherm...
.gone to Specsavers....before hitting reply. 🤣

You're a teacher?
*fulfil

I hope you have a relaxing evening. I have some mini bottles of wine in the fridge: shall I pour one down the internet? :D

Chink chink!! I think we shall! 🥂

But honestly, try Asda. 👍🏻 You'll come out £80 lighter, but with fab glasses!

How old are you?

And if she lived in Wales she wouldn’t have to pay a prescription charge. Because she can’t afford a whole £9.90 on a teacher’s salary. Maybe that’s the answer? Move to Wales?

Not when your prescription is -10

Online dealers don't go to that level

Even if you ask for glass lenses, there are a very limited number of frames that support this prescription due to the thickness of the glass

And even when you do get the cheapest glasses in the cheapest frames, they're still fucking expensive

It's another cost of disability

Thanks. :)

Thanks. :)

Managed to post without quoting - auld age!

Think you need to get a life OP

Harsh

What, exactly, do you hope to achieve by this post, @CarolineFields? Richi Sunak, whoever he is, isn't going to read it and, more to the point, neither will Rishi Sunak.

@CarolineFields
This thread is beyond frustrating. The sneering, the wilful twisting of the point you are making.
I hear you, and couldn’t agree more.

Bus travel where I live is capped at £2 but I do get where OP is coming from.

I've sometimes dug out old inhalers because I couldn't afford a prescription that week/month/pay cycle. I always wear my daughter's old glasses because whilst I could, probably, afford £200-£300 for some new ones if I really, really needed them there are also other things I need that money for.

Even though bus fare is capped I do sometimes walk to save cash. £2 is only £2, it's affordable but £2 there and back each day is £40 a month. I have other things I could spend that £40 on.

I'm not poor, I'm not living on the bones of my arse, but there are things I need to sacrifice to make ends meet sometimes. Running a household on a single income is not always easy even if you're on an OK wage.

Sky TV is a luxury I've never considered because it's frivolous but we do have an expensive BB package because I need fast, reliable internet for work.

I appreciate the sentiments, but it’s a shame about the grammar (and the incorrect spelling of the PMs name) after so many years teaching.