Any opticians around? Replacement NHS glasses - can we get them from different opticians?

[JeanMichelBisquiat]

Just as the title says, really. DS has managed to break his NHS glasses from Specsavers (which to be honest aren't great quality). We wanted to replace like for like, but they're discontinued, and he doesn't really like any of the other frames.

So the question - can I go to a different opticians chain and get replacement glasses using (I think) the GOS4 form?

It seems to say here that I can get replacements elsewhere - last para of second page: www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=ruh.nhs.uk/patients/orthoptic/documents/Obtaining_Childrens_glasses.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjG3e3t07rmAhX_QkEAHb8mAREQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw1skr_Th0Dl_MiddvhM8C9Z

However, I just rang Vision Express and they were a bit computer says no, and said they could only issue NHS glasses to new customer if it's for a new prescription, not a replacement.

Can anyone knowledgeable advise? Thank youuuuu!

Sorry - clicky link

ruh.nhs.uk/patients/orthoptic/documents/Obtaining_Childrens_glasses.pdf

Bumping!

Bumping again!

How old is your Son and when did he get his glasses?

My DD got two pairs recently on NHS Prescription from Specsavers, we were advised to choose one pair for the NHS pair which will be replaced for free and and a second which we also got free but told we would need to pay for any replacement as they are the private pair. DD wears the NHS pair for school and the other at home, as a spare and for best, the frames would both have cost the same privately although the second pair is nicer, in our opinion.

The Specsavers Leaflet I picked up says they will replace free for any reason within three months, however we went back within a week as she was really struggling to get used to them as not worn glasses before, she is five years old, and it was really awkward, not sure why but they seemed to think I was complaining about the glasses, however I reassured them I simply wanted to check the fit and whether they had any advice on getting her used to the glasses quickly without feeling sick!

GOS4 repair vouchers can be used anywhere as long as you also have a copy of the prescription. The new optician would issue the voucher. Just a word of warning though although they CAN be used anywhere many opticians won't do and it is at their discretion.

@whereareyousleep, thanks so much, that's incredibly helpful to know - just the info I was after!

@SparklySnowflakes, hope your DD feels more comfortable with her glasses soon; doesn't take long for them to adjust to it, and then makes such a difference!