Data rights - Opticians withholding my prescription details

[NotAllowed]

I called my opticians to ask what my prescription was. They won’t tell me. They’ve done this before, where I assume they intentionally withhold this information from you to stop you purchasing glasses from elsewhere. But surely this is my medical data and I’m entitled to them disclosing it to me?

Following an eye test your ophthalmic practitioner optometrist is legally required to give you your optical prescription or a statement to say you've been referred for further tests.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/visiting-an-optician/#:~:text=Following%20an%20eye%20test%20your,been%20referred%20for%20further%20tests.

They don’t have to give you the PD measurements though.

No, its not legal, go back to them and insist. If they dont comply, tell them you are going to make a formal subject access request. Then email with all these details

• a subject line or header that says "subject access request";
• the date you’re making the request;
• your name (and any other names where relevant, eg your name before you were married);
• your email address, home address and phone number;
• customer account numbers, NHS number, employee number, product number or similar information that can help identify you;
• what personal information you want (be specific about the information you’re asking for, and where relevant say what information you don’t need);
• details or dates that will help the organisation find the information you want;
• the reason you want the information (you don't have to include this but it will help the organisation find what you need); and
• how you would like to receive the information (eg electronically or printed and sent by post) and if you have any accessibility requirements (eg large fonts).

They have to give you all information they are holding on you. ALL of it, including comments between employees in their whatsapp, and absolutely everything.

A builder measured my front drive and gave me an estimate for tarmacking it once, then refused to give me the measurements. I made a SAR and had the information within about 6 hours. ( I think legally it can take up to 3 months, or similar, I can't remember- but they do have to comply)

They have to give it to you by law when you were at your appointment - at specsavers it's written on a folded card they give you with your receipt for instance. Then don't have to give a duplicate to you months later if you have lost it (though most will) they also may only give it in person with id for privacy reasons

That's odd. What reason have they given? Is it that you want a contact lens prescription and you've only had a spectacle one. Is it out of date?

The only reason we can refuse to give out a prescription at the end of a test is if we refer and we think by prescribing the patient wouldn't attend the referral.

But, yes, you have a right to a copy of all of your records. If you go into the practice with a letter stating these rights and some ID, they will photocopy all your records and send them to you. Usually not the same day though as we need to check that you don't fall under the (exceptionally unusual) category of it not being in your best interests.

You can also approach the optical complaints service
https://www.opticalcomplaints.co.uk/optical-professionals/

Thanks very much everyone. I thought as much. It’s because I’ve bought some glasses frames online and want my prescription details so I can have lenses fitted somewhere cheaper. They won’t share the details with me after disclosing this.

Yes they have to give you your glasses prescription. It could be an expensive can of worms if your chosen new frames aren’t compatible with your lens prescription - if something a little complicated like varifocals or astigmatism. Your optician doesn’t want to be held responsible for your satisfaction overall if they aren’t the people advising you re suitable frames.