Eye test law change?

[David]

Having arranged to go to UK for an eye test and new specs at Vision express for varifocal tinted lenses, and now preparing to go back because the prescription does not seem quite correct, all at great expense with costs for specs, ferries and hotels, my French neighbours tell me that this can now be done in France!

They assure me that the law has recently changed in France, and that now opticians can do all the necessary tests, and only refer you to a specialist with a six month wait if there is a problem with the eyes.

They assure me that, for example the optician shop in the LeClerc building in Bressuire (Optique du Bocage, Opticien & Lunetiere, Vision League), can do the full eye test, exactly the same as opticians in UK (the optician says), this costs 30 euros and is not reimbursable.  The optician then sends you to your GP who gives you an ordnance, you take the ordanance to the optician and he prepares the lenses.  After one week the specs are ready.  The optician says that the lenses are fully reimbursable and thus free.  Only charge is the frames and if you use old frames, then no charge for those.

The optician apparently has worked in the UK, speaks some English, knows the UK system and says the new French system is the same as the UK. 

This seems to be too good to be true, and I wonder if there is a mix up somewhere.  For clarity I am 62 but with 100% CPAM cover due to disability (no top up cover), and my wife is also 62 thus a pensioner, but with top up cover.

It seems that if I use my old frames, then within one or two weeks I can get free varifocal tinted lenses, so the total cost of new specs would be 30 euros for the eye tests?  This seems much better than going back to UK.

Can this new change be correct?

David

[Clair]

Since 16 April 2007, an optician in France can make slight amendments to an existing prescription without referral to an ophtalmo (eye doctor), provided the prescription is less than 3 years old.

He must ask you to visit an ophtalmo if your sight has dramatically altered since the prescription was written. For instance, he cannot deliver bifocals if the prescription does not mention bifocals, even if you need them.

Clarification:

The shop you refer to is run by an optometrist, who is not allowed to deliver prescriptions, but can amend an existing one when testing your eyes for lens fitting.

In effect, he would advise you about your eyesight for €30 and rely on your doctor to write the prescription.

The liability rests with the doctor who writes the prescription.

[Cerise]

The law here is potty in this respect.  Recently went to opthalmo, 106€ for me and OH just for eye tests which seems extortionate even though we get it back.  After all you have to pay it first and I imagine that might put people off going.  Having priced up glasses I fancied in France (375€)  I decided I would take prescription back at Xmas to UK to good ole Specsavers.  French opthalmo got knickers in fine knot as I advised him I didn't need reactolite lenses marked on prescription I could just HAVE them.  No, no if not marked on prescription you can't.  Gave up trying to explain that as the customer in UK I could chose myself.

Back in the UK went to Specsavers on Xmas Eve - asked what the chance of getting specs for 30 Dec., given that there were 2 Bank Holidays and a weekend in between.  Charming young lady said she'd do her best, but if not would post them to me.  Got 2 pairs one with reactolites and other with special non-glare lenses for £180.  Could have had glasses for much much cheaper than that but the ones I wanted were almost the most expensive frames and I wanted all the fancy options.  All this plus customer service too - yes the glasses were ready and waiting on 30th.

Can anyone explain WHY glasses cost so much money in France?

[Clair]

[quote user="Cerise"]The law here is potty in this respect.  Recently went to opthalmo, 106€ for me and OH just for eye tests which seems extortionate even though we get it back.  After all you have to pay it first and I imagine that might put people off going.[/quote]

I can only imagine that you went to a "secteur II" ophtalmo (i.e. he sets his own fees).

The one I go to costs the same a GP, €22.

[Georgina]

Unless you have an unusual prescription, I would recommend getting your prescription from the UK when there on hols, and going on line.  Much cheaper and quicker.  Glasses Direct - I can recommend.  I would think the reason it is so expensive here is because people expect to get reimbursed.  Much like when you go to the car repairers and it's done under the insurance in England, the price certainly is much higher because you would not quibble or shop around.

 

Georgina