Patients denied copies of Rx

Specsavers has been accused of making it difficult for patients to obtain copies of their prescriptions in an article published by The Telegraph (February 11 2022).

The article alleged patients had been charged ‘substantial’ administrative costs and denied email copies of their prescriptions, preventing them from making purchases elsewhere. Patient experiences were highlighted within the piece – which also reported that some had felt the need to take their problem to social media.

David Hutchfield, head of professional services at Glasses Direct, said it was endemic within the industry. ‘There’s an unwritten edict of don’t give a copy unless asked for it. It’s difficult to police. Because everyone does it, no one notices,’ Hutchfield told The Telegraph.