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Does Vision Express give discounts to over 60s? A Guide to Senior Offers and Savings

5 min read

According to NHS data, individuals aged 60 and over are entitled to a free eye examination. In addition to this, does Vision Express give discounts to over 60s on other products? Yes, they provide an exclusive 20% online discount for customers over 60, alongside eligibility for free NHS-funded eye tests.

Quick Summary

Vision Express offers a 20% online discount on selected items for customers over 60 who verify their age through a third-party service. This is in addition to the free NHS eye test that all over-60s in the UK are entitled to.

Key Points

  • 20% Online Discount: Vision Express offers a 20% online discount for customers aged 60 and over on selected glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

  • Age Verification Required: To get the online discount code, customers must verify their age by uploading a photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, to the third-party service GoCertify.

  • Free NHS Eye Test: All UK residents aged 60 and over are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test every two years, which can be booked at Vision Express stores.

  • In-store vs. Online: The 20% product discount is specifically for online purchases and cannot be used in-store, while the free eye test must be booked and conducted in-store.

  • NHS Vouchers Accepted: Vision Express accepts NHS optical vouchers, which can be used towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses for those who qualify.

  • Exclusions Apply: The 20% discount cannot be combined with other offers and excludes certain brands, budget frames, and sale items.

In This Article

Vision Express offers for over 60s

For customers aged 60 and over, Vision Express provides a combination of exclusive discounts and access to NHS-funded services to help reduce the cost of eye care and eyewear. The primary benefit is a 20% online discount on eligible products, obtained through age verification. This is distinct from the free eye test that is a nationwide entitlement provided by the National Health Service.

How to get the 20% online senior discount

To access the exclusive 20% online discount for over-60s, you must verify your age using a trusted third-party service, GoCertify. The process is straightforward and secures your discount code for use at checkout.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

  • Visit the GoCertify Vision Express senior discount page. This page is where the verification process takes place.
  • Provide proof of age. You can upload a photo of your driving licence, passport, or passport card to confirm you are over 60.
  • Receive a unique discount code. After your age is verified, a unique promotional code will be provided. Note that GoCertify may save your information to make future verifications on other websites quicker.
  • Apply the code online. The discount code can then be applied to your basket at the Vision Express online checkout.

Which products are included in the online discount?

The 20% discount applies to a range of products, though some exclusions exist. It is important to review the specific terms and conditions linked from the verification page to ensure your chosen items are eligible.

  • Glasses and prescription sunglasses: The discount applies to both the frame and lenses.
  • Contact lenses: A selection of contact lenses is included in the offer.

Which products are excluded from the online discount?

Certain items and promotions are typically excluded from the 20% online senior discount. Common exclusions are:

  • £25 glasses and £15 sunglasses.
  • Selected premium brands, which may include Maui Jim, Tom Ford, and Ray-Ban Stories.
  • Items already on sale or in the outlet section.
  • Other promotional offers, as the senior discount often cannot be combined with other codes.

Free NHS eye test for over 60s

All residents of the UK aged 60 and over are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test, typically every two years unless advised otherwise by a professional. Vision Express participates in this scheme, allowing eligible customers to book a free eye test at any of its stores. This is a government initiative, not a company discount, but it offers significant savings for seniors.

Comparison of senior benefits at UK opticians

Feature Vision Express (UK) Specsavers (UK) Boots Opticians (UK)
Free NHS Eye Test (over 60s) Yes, available in-store. Yes, available for eligible over 60s. Yes, available for eligible over 60s.
Product Discount (over 60s) 20% online discount on selected items (requires GoCertify verification). Occasional offers and promotions, but no standard senior discount. Free glasses with NHS optical vouchers in some cases. Offers and promotions may vary. Requires checking current offers.
Access to NHS Vouchers Yes, accepts NHS optical vouchers. Yes, accepts NHS optical vouchers, which can be combined with other offers. Yes, accepts NHS optical vouchers.
Other Senior Benefits None specified beyond the online discount and NHS eligibility. Can get a free pair of glasses with NHS optical vouchers in some instances. May have specific in-store offers or promotions at different times.

Frequently asked questions about senior discounts

Vision Express's offers for seniors can sometimes be confusing, as they blend an exclusive company discount with a standard NHS entitlement. It's important to understand the details to maximize savings.

Why does Vision Express offer an online-only discount for over 60s?

The decision to make the 20% senior discount online-only is a company policy. It may be part of a strategy to increase online sales and requires a specific verification process through a third-party service, GoCertify.

How does the free NHS eye test differ from a Vision Express discount?

The free eye test is a UK government health entitlement for all residents aged 60 and over, regardless of where they get their test. The Vision Express 20% discount is a commercial offer provided by the company specifically for online purchases and does not apply to the eye test itself.

Can I use the 20% senior discount on top of another promotion?

No, the Vision Express 20% senior discount is generally not valid in conjunction with any other offers, discount codes, or promotional pricing, such as outlet sales. You must choose the single best offer that applies to your purchase.

What if I am not eligible for NHS vouchers for glasses?

Even if you do not qualify for an NHS optical voucher, being over 60 still entitles you to the free NHS-funded eye test. For glasses, you can use the 20% online discount or look for other standard promotions on the Vision Express website or in-store offers.

What identification do I need for the online senior discount?

To verify your age for the 20% online discount, you will need to provide a copy of a valid photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence, or passport card. The verification is handled securely by GoCertify.

Are there any other ways for seniors to save at Vision Express?

In addition to the online senior discount and free NHS eye test, seniors can look for other general promotions available on the Vision Express website, such as multi-buy deals, or consider joining their Eyecare Plan for interest-free payments on eyewear.

What should I do if I have trouble verifying my age for the online discount?

If you experience issues with the verification process, the best course of action is to contact GoCertify, the company that manages the process. Their website provides FAQs and contact information for support regarding verification issues.

Conclusion

Vision Express does give discounts to over 60s, offering a specific 20% online discount on glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, which requires age verification through GoCertify. This is in addition to the UK-wide entitlement for a free NHS eye test for all over-60s. While the online discount cannot be combined with other offers, it provides a valuable saving opportunity. By combining the free NHS eye test with the online discount on frames or lenses, seniors can significantly reduce their overall costs at Vision Express.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can get the 20% online senior discount by visiting the GoCertify website linked from Vision Express's promotions page, verifying your age with a photo ID, and using the unique code provided at checkout.

No, the 20% senior discount is an online-only offer. However, you can still claim your free NHS eye test and use any NHS optical vouchers you are entitled to in-store.

As a UK resident aged 60 or over, you are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test approximately every two years. Your optometrist may advise a more frequent check-up if necessary for your eye health.

The discount applies to selected glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses online. It excludes budget frames (£25 glasses), sale items, and some premium brands like Tom Ford and Maui Jim.

Generally, you cannot combine the 20% online senior discount with NHS optical vouchers. You will need to use one or the other to achieve the best saving.

Yes, Vision Express uses a secure third-party service, GoCertify, to handle the age verification process. Your information is securely handled to generate your discount code.

The Eyecare Plan is an alternative option for seniors, offering interest-free monthly payments for eyewear and including a free advanced eye test. It provides a different way to save and spread costs, though it typically cannot be combined with other discounts.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.