How many people wear glasses in the UK? This is a very difficult question to answer and any figures suggested would be approximate. However, it has been said that approximately 30% of the 16 to 18 years old population in the UK would need vision correction at some point. Obviously, the term \’vision correction\’ includes contact lenses or laser surgery, but I believe that many would still opt for the tried and tested option of glasses. We all know that glasses are expensive, especially when fashion labels are involved and the wearer can pay hundreds of pounds to have a designer name on them.

Unfortunately, the costs can continue to mount. You may need to replace a damaged lens or replace two should your prescription change and lets not forget about the frames. Fortunately, there are options open to you when it comes to glasses repair. Here in the UK, certain groups of people may be eligible for help from the NHS when it comes to the cost of repairing their glasses. If you fall into one of these following groups, to qualify for help, your glasses must not be covered by a warranty, insurance or after-sales service.

Children

Children under the age of 16 are entitled to an NHS optical repair or replacement voucher. This voucher helps towards the cost of replacing or repairing your child\’s glasses if they lose or damage them.

Adults

If you\’re 16 or over, you\’re only entitled to help with repair or replacement costs if you:

– are eligible for an NHS optical voucher

– have an illness that caused the loss or damage to your glasses

Before you can be issued with an NHS optical voucher by your optician to help with repair or replacement costs, your primary care trust must agree that the loss or damage was caused by illness.

What is the value of an NHS optical voucher?

The value of your voucher will depend on which part of your glasses needs to be repaired or replaced, for example:

– one lens

– two lenses

– the front of the frame

– the side of the frame

– the whole frame

Your optician can explain how much your NHS optical voucher is worth.

Getting advice

If you or your child have lost or damaged your glasses, speak to your optician. They can give you advice on whether you qualify for help with the cost of the repair or replacement. If you\’re entitled to a voucher, your optician can provide you with one.

Other options available

What can be done if you fall outside of these groups? There are companies out there who specialise in glasses repairs. What used to be just a service for opticians has now become a service for all. Repairers are using the latest technologies available to deliver both precision repairs and the highest level of customer satisfaction. You can even find glasses repair companies that will endeavour to check, repair, checked again, polish, package and return your glasses to you the same day.

Of course, you could just buy a new pair but in these times of economic uncertainty, this may be only a last resort.

David Cardinham writes for AlphaOmega, a company providing glasses repair. Damaged your favourite sunglasses? Not a problem. AlphaOmega will also undertake Armani, D&G, Police, Prada and Ray-Ban sunglasses repair.

David Cardinham writes for AlphaOmega, a company providing glasses repair. Damaged your favourite sunglasses? Not a problem. AlphaOmega will also undertake Armani, D&G, Police, Prada and Ray-Ban sunglasses repairs. http://www.alphaomega-glasses-repair.co.uk/

Author Bio: David Cardinham writes for AlphaOmega, a company providing glasses repair. Damaged your favourite sunglasses? Not a problem. AlphaOmega will also undertake Armani, D&G, Police, Prada and Ray-Ban sunglasses repair.

Category: Advice
Keywords: glasses repair,sunglasses repair,spectacles,glasses,repair,spectacles repair