Not the only opticians out there!

Really, it's quite a while since I saw it mentioned and others were mentioned on the same thread.

Perhaps they sponsor the site?

What blanket coverage? Do you mean adverts, Hilda?

They presume the adverts and sponsored questions help pay for Gransnet; what would you suggest as an alternative HildaW?

Advertising keeps the site free for users. Try to ignore it or use an ad blocker and just enjoy the threads.

Apologise for my hyperbole, what I meant was the item under 'Latest from Gransnet...'Grannyhaggis....etc' and the sponsored discussion. Also until recently there have been several proper adverts from them on this site. It just seemed to me a tad heavy handed...and yes I should just ignore them.

I do not like the fact that they appear to have taken over hearing tests for the NHS. Insidious privatisation.

durhamjen I totally agree with you for once in my life!

I wasn't aware they'd taken over doing hearing tests for the NHS, they, like Boots, offer hearing tests and you privately pay for your hearing aids, batteries etc. I'm not sure whether there's a charge for the test and follow-ups.

I still have my hearing test reviews and batteries via the NHS, and have regular appointments because of my inherited condition -and it's a great service too!

Think I'd want an impartial agency advising me if I needed a hearing aid!

DH has had excellent service from Boots for his severe high frequency hearing loss. His initial hearing test and the follow-ups, are free. Any problems, and he phones and is given a free appointment as soon as possible.
Of course we had to pay for the aids themselves, but were given a choice and different prices for each type. No, the audiologist did not recommend the most expensive. The aids themselves are very discreet and comfortable. Plus, I get points on my Boots card!
And no, we do not have shares in Boots!

It give patients a choice, just the same as you'd have with a health problem.

Are they doing NHS audio tests or private?

If private I don't see it as a problem as long as the test is done by a qualified audiologist who is able to refer to the hospital like the opticians do if they discover something that needs specialist treatment.

I don't see what the problem is. People have always had to go to an Optician for eye tests and lens prescriptions.

I'm sure a lot of people would rather bypass the NHS if their hearing problems are relatively minor - saves NHS resources and saves the patient having to wait ages for an appointment to be seen by a specialist. I believe you can get NHS hearing aids via Specsavers.

x posts vq

It's not just Specsavers, some independent opticians are taking over some of the services from the NHS - free of charge to the patient.
The one where DIL worked was doing that.

I'm all for it if it shortens waiting times! Not sure though if it's NHS privatisation or the independent opticians are getting canny and trying to attract customers.

I think that the NHS couldn't keep up with the referrals (it was eyes) so contracted it out to a private local optician. I presume they had to submit a tender to the NHS. It was all free to the patient.

I will always be grateful to the optician at Specsavers who spotted that DH had had a stroke. He rushed through a letter to our surgery and when the locum GP rubbished his opinion he wrote a letter for us to take A&E should it have been necessary. Without his dedication DH would not have realised he was unfit to drive and I still shudder to think what might have happened.

Thanks, Charleygirl. You never know, that might be just the start!

I received a brochure from Specsavers (have just rummaged through the recycling bin to retreive it, to check what I said).
"New, improved digital hearing aids on the NHS now available free at Specsavers.
Find out whether you could qualify inside.

If you qualify for free hearing aids on the NHS you do not have to go to a hospital anymore.
Specsavers Hearing Centres have been accredited to provide NHS hearing services in your region. That means you can get a hearing test with a hearing care professional, two digital hearing aids and full aftercare ,free, as long as you are above the NHS qualifying age and referred by your GP."

Why? As said before, privatisation of the NHS.
Please agree again, Charleygirl.

I just wonder if a lot of people may find it is a good idea to be able to go to their local opticians, Specsavers, Boots or other, for their NHS hearing test and aid. Getting to a hospital, parking etc can be a nightmare these days whereas going to a local opticians in the nearest town may be a much more pleasant option.
Even though we don't pay for hospital parking in Wales it can take up to an hour to get a parking space sometimes.

Sorry, retrieve.

I have had an NHS hearing aid for my good ear for years. They cannot improve the hearing in my other ear.
I refuse to go to Specsavers.

So when the audiology department no longer does hearing tests, what about people who need the department for other things? The department at your local hospital will have been closed down as non-viable, and you will have to go 50 miles away to the next audiology department.
Hope that's not you.