Patients pay average of £127 for spectacles

The average cost of a pair of spectacles to the public rose by £7.84 to £127.09 in 2001-2002, according to this year's Optics at a Glance.
This is a less impressive increase than the previous rise of £11, when FODO's annual research and round-up of NHS statistics found the average price was £119.25 (2000/2001: £108.19).
For the latest information, calculated from figures from April 1 2001 to March 31 2002, FODO took as its sample four million spectacle dispensings.
The latest research found 84 per cent were purchased without an NHS voucher, reflecting a decline in voucher use. 'This reflects a continued erosion of voucher values against the cost of spectacles,' said a FODO spokesman.
The least expensive spectacles were found to be £56.09 (2000/01: £53.24), with the average spent on the NHS £42.15 (£41.04). The average private price was £143.26 (£133.16)
Analysis of 5.5 million sight tests revealed that 69 per cent resulted in changed or new prescriptions and 26 per cent were no change or no correction required. Contact lens appointments accounted for 3 per cent, while referrals from GPs or hospitals made up 2 per cent.