Free prescription, but does it cover opticians?

[VikingLady]

I'm 34w, have the NHS exemption card that you get as standard when you are pregnant, and have already used it for free prescriptions. I thought it covered eye tests, but was told at Specsavers that they don't recognise them, and had never actually heard of them!

Is this right? i know your prescription tends to change during pregnancy, and I desperately need new glasses, but if I can't use the card then I'll just have to carry on needing!

Please tell me whether Specsavers are right, or whether it is just them. Thank you.

No it doesn't cover eye tests/specs, just dentist and prescriptions.

No tax credits cards can cover sight tests and other reasons such as...

certain benefits (JSA)
age 40 of over with family history of glaucoma
age 18 and under in full time education
over 60

but no not pregnancy, it isnt medically proven that pregnancy has any effect on your vision.

Nope!

I had to pay out over £80 for an eye test, contact lense check and new contact lenses the day before christmas eve, wasnt happy!!

It really annoyed me, they showed me their list of who doesnt have to pay and one was a prisoner on leave from prison WTF!!!!!

My perscription had changed but she left it the same anyway as she said my eyes will go back to normal after having the baby, so was all a waste of time and money anyway apart from the £45 for my new contacts which was unavoidable - i dont do glasses!

Just get yourself booked into the dentist to get the most of it becuase that is covered lol

Thank you!