Contact lenses are provided at the Cumberland Infirmary when there is a medical requirement.

How much are contact lenses?

There is a statutory NHS patient charge per contact lens, which is updated annually on 1 April. All current prices are available from the contact lens department.

Payment applies for one standard contact lens supplied to you (or where applicable, a 6 month supply of disposable contact lenses). The type of lens supplied depends on your clinical need.

The same charge is applied for all replacement lenses or if a lens is lost or broken.

If you are exempt from payment, proof must be seen prior to ordering the lens.

Who is exempt from payment for contact lenses?

  • Patients who have proof of a qualifying benefit (see NHS Optical Vouchers guidance )
  • Patients requiring a contact lens as a ‘bandage’ or ‘non-seeing’ lens
  • Children under 16
  • 16 to 19 year old in full time education

Note that someone who is exempt from standard charges, but repeatedly breaks or loses lenses will be charged for replacements.

You will be asked to show evidence of exemption when collecting lenses. If valid evidence is not provided, you will be asked to pay the standard NHS charge for your lenses.

How do I insert, remove and care for my lenses?

Patients are taught how to insert, remove and care for their own lenses prior to taking them home and written information will also be provided.

How do I obtain solutions?

An initial supply of solution will be provided at the first appointment where the contact lenses are supplied.  All solutions are also readily available on the high street or online. It is recommended that you only use the specific solution advised by your Optometrist. Solutions will not be posted.

Appointments

Once supplied with contact lenses, all patients must attend for regular aftercare appointments at the appropriate interval advised by your Optometrist. If you are unable to make your appointment, please phone the number on your appointment letter to reschedule. Failure to attend your appointments may lead to being discharged from the clinic and we will be unable to continue to supply / provide your contact lens care.

Contact Details

Cumberland Infirmary Ophthalmology Department 01228 814727

Or Email us at contact.lens@ncic.nhs.uk

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302