Global Vision closed for business
Wednesday, 25, Nov 2009 12:00
The sudden closure of the local branch of Global Vision in Hastings town centre left hundreds of local residents in a quandary. Local NHS health chiefs confirmed that the police were investigating claims that the company had wrongly charged for NHS treatment, both in respect of eye tests and the provision of spectacles in circumstances where a qualified optician had not been responsible for the prescription.
Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster said that he had heard of a number of cases where customers were awaiting the delivery of their glasses and in some cases had paid either towards their NHS prescription or on a private paying basis. Other patients were expressing concern as to whether the glasses that they were using were to the right prescription given that the eye test had not been carried out by a qualified optician.
“I have been in touch with the local NHS and what they have told me is that anyone eligible for NHS support and who has either not received their prescription glasses or is concerned about the efficacy of glasses already provided may visit a qualified optician for another test for which the NHS will pay again. Similarly if eligible for help towards prescription glasses, the NHS will make its contribution even if a claim has already been made by Global Vision.”
The MP went on to say that he had spoken to Martin Briscall of Wilson, Wilson & Hancock who had also kindly agreed that any Global Vision customer who contacted Wilson, Wilson & Hancock would be fitted in for another test as soon as possible and where NHS patients had not had their prescription delivered by Global Vision his company would offer a free range of spectacles under the NHS scheme or a discount against other ranges where a charge was required.
“I am pleased that both the NHS and opticians such as Martin Briscall have agreed to help out those customers who have lost money and indeed confidence as a result of the Global Vision debacle although I am also concerned on behalf of those who have paid privately for their prescriptions and who may have either not received their glasses or are worried that those they have do not meet the correct prescription.”
In many cases where payment has been made by credit card within the last six years and where the total cost exceeded £100 the customer may have some redress against the credit card company and should certainly consider this.