Vision Express + Contact Lenses + Direct Debit "Carefree" Scheme

I am sorry if this is a long read

So I decided to give contact lenses a try 2 weeks ago. I have worn glasses for a long time and have always used vision express, so I decided that trying contact lenses from vision express would be the best way to go.

This is where the problems begin. First of all, it said on the vision express website that there is a free contact lense trial, which unluckily ended on the day my appointment was due! So they said they wouldn't give me a free trial, they also said that I would of need a voucher anyway (what the hell, did they just make that up)?

So, fine, I had a contact lens fitting + consultation, I paid £25.

They are 2 week lenses, so 2 weeks later (today), I went back for an aftercare (which was free). They suggested I go on the direct debit carefree scheme, which costs £25 per month. I had to pay the first three months. So all in all, I have paid £100 so far.

So I have 3 months worth of contact lenses, solution and aftercare (as long as i'm on the direct debit carefree scheme).

The problem is, if I can get it cheaper elsewhere I will. I can get daily disposables from the internet for £120 per year. Whereas if I stayed with vision express, I have to pay £300, although I do get free aftercare etc.

So why can't I just pay £120 per year for daily disposables, which in my opinion are much more hygienic than 2 week disposable lenses.

I'm not sure if I was silly, but when I paid today, I asked if I could cancel the direct debit after 3 months (my next aftercare checkup, and I would get a prescription valid for 1 year instead of 3 months, so it would be good to order online for a year) then buy online instead, and I also asked if I did, would the aftercare checkup still be free? (Since if I have the checkup in 3 months, I will still be on the direct debit scheme).

The optician's assistant had a look of disgust on her face, and said that I would have to pay (it's £35) for the aftercare in 3 months since I told her I would cancel the direct debit after 3 months (after the aftercare checkup). I felt so silly.

So thank you for reading, and this is the question:

Are they allowed to charge me for the aftercare checkup (£35) if I was still on the direct debit carefree scheme during the aftercare checkup, but cancelled it, for example, a day later?

I just felt kind of ripped off, and I try my best to never get ripped off. I sort of had too much respect for vision express, since it's the only optician i've used for glasses for many years. I guess I "should of gone to Specsavers" (haha :p:

), but I trusted vision express to give good value for money, like they did with glasses. I guess it was value for money for glasses since I got NHS help for glasses, but I didn't for contact lenses.

Reply 1

Cuckoo

yes. you should have gone to specsavers! haha!

i am and it's £15 a month and i have to order a special "toric" right lense!

also, why do you want to cancel the direct debit? (i might have skimmed that sorry) just wait until a free cancellation is possible.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Cuckoo

yes. you should have gone to specsavers! haha!

i am and it's £15 a month and i have to order a special "toric" right lense!

also, why do you want to cancel the direct debit? (i might have skimmed that sorry) just wait until a free cancellation is possible.

I'm not sure if I was silly, but when I paid today, I asked if I could cancel the direct debit after 3 months (my next aftercare checkup, and I would get a prescription valid for 1 year instead of 3 months, so it would be good to order online for a year) then buy online instead, and I also asked if I did, would the aftercare checkup still be free? (Since if I have the checkup in 3 months, I will still be on the direct debit scheme).

The optician's assistant had a look of disgust on her face, and said that I would have to pay (it's £35) for the aftercare in 3 months since I told her I would cancel the direct debit after 3 months (after the aftercare checkup). I felt so silly.

......So basically, I want to cancel it because it is too expensive, and I want to cancel it after 3 months (after my next checkup where I will get my prescription which will be valid for 1 year). I want to cancel it since "I asked if I could cancel the direct debit after 3 months (my next aftercare checkup, and I would get a prescription valid for 1 year instead of 3 months, so it would be good to order online for a year) then buy online instead, and I also asked if I did, would the aftercare checkup still be free? (Since if I have the checkup in 3 months, I will still be on the direct debit scheme)."

Reply 3

MisterE

1

No, they don't have a right to do that. Can anyone confirm this?

Reply 4

gagansati

Hello,I also have the same bad experience with vision express. I went to book an appointment that time they told its free trial and no need to pay any fee if you have valid eye test prescription.When I went on scheduled day with my eye test prescription they put lenses in my eye and told me you can buy 3 month with direct debit or cash pay. When I ask for cash then they told if you go via cash then you need pay 25 pound for solution and 25 for consulting and you chose direct debit then both are free jut need to pay 55 pound for 3 month lance.I told I want only one week trial then I will buy then they ask me to pay 25 pound for consultant fee I told I have valid eye test and you inform its free trial but they not agree and charge me 25 pound.Space saver s much better for contact lance.Thanks,GS