OASC Optometry Department Closed [Archive]

Sentry Agitator

17th Dec 2008, 16:21

Ladies and Gents

For those of you a little bit blind like me, you may like to know that the optometry department at OASC has closed. Yes I had an advantage being right on the doorstep BUT......

I had been told to get in quick by a colleague but I left it just a tad too late. So when I tried to order some new CLs today ready for flying again post Chrimbo leave it took an age to get anywhere. I did get lots of help from the medics (thanks) but I'm now in limbo.

It used to be a case of just a simple phonecall -'can I have another 3 month supply pse and to my home address?' reply 'of course you can'. Not any more it isn't. I now need to see a Dr to get referred to Selly in Birmingham. Of course I can't get a Drs appointment this side of Chrimbo as they are booked solid. An appointment needs to be arranged and deconflicted with work schedules then the transport has to be booked. Transport there the day before for an overnighter ready for an appointment early doors the next day followed by transport RTU. More than likely to be 1.5 to 2 days out of the office for a 20 minute appointment and all for the same prescription that has been on record at OASC for the last 3 years or so! Unfortunately my record hasn't been transferred....my fault I guess:uhoh:

What a blinder and a great admin stat.

Bamboozled yet again

SA

Roland Pulfrew

17th Dec 2008, 16:47

SA

This is another great example of joined-up thinking.......

Oh NO it isn't!!

Oh yes it is.

Oh NO it isn't!! (Well it is almost Christmas and panto season)

At least you are just up the road. Spare a thought for those a bit further away. I have been advised to write to DD Av Med at RAF High Wycombe to complain about the great :hmm: new service. I suggest that all users, of what used to be an excellent service, do likewise.

Bean counters! Cost of everything, value of nothing.:ugh:

anotherthing

17th Dec 2008, 16:56

...Must admit, I didn't see that coming......

phanphix

17th Dec 2008, 19:33

SA

What a kerfuffle!!! All the way to Birmingham and back from Lincoln - 90 miles each way!! I can see why you need 2 days plus an overnighter as your eyes must be bad if you have to drive that slow. Oh hang on...if I read your email right, it sounded like you actually needed a driver; I guess being aircrew it was just too far to drive yourself!!! :confused:

Mr C Hinecap

17th Dec 2008, 19:58

It sounds like he now has to buy his own contact lenses.
From an optician on the high street.
Like the rest of us poor people.
I'm gutted for him.
Really. Really I am.
:hmm:

goldcup

17th Dec 2008, 20:15

Fair's fair- the original poster needs contact lenses to do his job and the RAF subsidises this. Nobody complains about the fact that you get an allowance in your pay for buying tights, princess. It's the same thing really....

Phil_R

17th Dec 2008, 20:20

I know I'm going to get eviscerated for saying this, but:

I know lots of people who need contact lenses for their work and they obtain them by going down to Boots opticians, which takes a couple of hours and costs a modest amount of money.

It sounds to me like this is way more trouble than it's worth - like the council tenant who wouldn't buy a three foot bit of draught excluder because "it's the council's problem".

P

SidHolding

17th Dec 2008, 20:34

The RAF will only let it's Aircrew fly in lenses if they are provided through the RAF. End of.

Fortissimo

17th Dec 2008, 20:44

I think some of you may be missing the point here. If you are aircrew and you wish to wear contact lenses instead of CFS in the air, you are obliged to get them from Service sources which, until recently, meant the Optometry Dept at Cranwell.

With the majority of the active airfields being within an hour or so of Cranwell, most people could get there and back quite easily. Accepted, the Scotland team have always had futher to travel. Penny Shaw also used to run an outpatient clinic at Brize for Brize/Lyneham and the SHF.

People will now have to beat their way into the centre of Birmingham having first negotiated a cumbersome Med Centre appointments system. That will all take time and will also come at a cost to your own stn budgets.

The issue is that 'efficiencies' taken by one organisation often have unintended consequences. In this case, convenience for the few appears to be being achieved through the inconvenience of the many.

phanphix

17th Dec 2008, 20:45

..but it doesn't force you to wear contact lenses and even if it did, which is true for some applications, this is just a whinge for a whinges sake for what amounts to a tad more inconvinience. All that has happened is to align it with the other 2 services who seemed to have managed okay so.....IMHO No Big Deal! Thank your lucky stars you don't work for Woolies given the hardship some people are likely to suffer in the following weeks.

Foghorn Leghorn

17th Dec 2008, 21:32

The price you pay for contact lenses through the RAF is approximately the same as you would pay for contact lenses purchased online. So, they are no cheaper just because you are in the RAF. It is not just the inconvenience that the move to Birmingham has created, it is the extra cost and time spent away from work that is now incurred. That is the issue people have with the move.

Roland Pulfrew

17th Dec 2008, 21:34

Some misinformation from a few here. :=

We DO NOT get contact lenses free! They ARE NOT subsidised by the RAF. We pay for them just like anyone else, it's just that they were sourced through the Dept of Optometry.

The Dept also did our annual eye checks; they are free, just like they are if you get your eyes tested for your flying specs. Actually there is a saving to the RAF; they do not provide as many pairs of the free specs if we choose to fly in contact lenses that we have paid for.

So Mr C H, Phil_R, any chance of a retraction of your ill informed comments?

Fortissimo - well said, but I believe that there also used to be an outpatient clinic covering the 3 main Scottish stations. So a team of one or two travelled from Cwl to Scotland for a couple of days to cover all the dozens of Scottish-based users, rather than the dozens of Scottish based users having to travel to Birmingham. Good use of T & S? No, thought not.

Phil_R

17th Dec 2008, 21:46

No, you're still bleating about nothing. If it's that big of a deal to be out of the office, why are you going on about transport?

I have to get me and a crew of two plus a big pile of television equipment from Essex to Manchester tomrrow, a fact of which I was informed only about four hours ago - and I had to find the crew. If a hopelessly uninformed civvy like me can organise that, you'd have thought you could drum up a run from Lincoln to Birmingham without too much trouble.

I mean c'mon. Is there some terrifyingly complicated administrative reason you can't just go there?

(If there is, of course, then fair enough - no, wait, not fair enough - it'll just shift the focus of my ire...)

brit bus driver

17th Dec 2008, 22:01

Moreover, having just stepped into the big wide world, I can assure you - and those planning to rely on aircrew eyesight (enhanced or otherwise) - that the level of service outside (at Dollond & Aitchison in my case) does not even come close to that provided at CWL (which is actually the IATA for Cardiss would you believe :eek:). I remember Penny scanning my eyes with some very Austin Powers-type machinery....

The deal is that you must have a six-monthly C/L check in order to wear contacts in lieu of CFS. I suspect that this will now become 'optional' with the local optician being made a suitable alternative. I guess this is akin to the days when we no longer had to trog to town and then round to Rayners of Harley Street to receive those delightful CFS.

This is not an aircrew whinge (even though the lenses are slightly cheaper than outside) but, I suspect, a comment on the continual reduction in the level of service provided in the medical field. As has already been alluded to, I suspect the biggest battle will be getting an appointment with the med centre and then convinvcing the SMO that yes, you do have to go and yes, it does have to be a F1771 on his UIN (see what I did there..).

:sad:

Mr C Hinecap

18th Dec 2008, 07:24

He could always wear glasses.
Aircrew seemed to be able to fly in them for years and years.
We survived without RAF Optometry for a long time too. It all sounds like a lot of effort and cost for a few aircrew to be allowed to wear contact lenses instead of specs. It also sounds like someone is going to the far end of a fart to make an overcomplicated system just to provide lenses - civvies can do it too you know!

This is not an aircrew whinge

erm - yes it is. It doesn't impact upon anyone else - except the poor Driver who has to take you to Brimingham. :rolleyes:

Wensleydale

18th Dec 2008, 08:03

The optometry dept at Cranwell not only prescribed Aircrew Spectacles for the older aircrew amongst us - they also gave youe eye a full MOT. I was diagnosed with a very rare and obscure condition during one of these visits, and thanks to them I have regular treatment (at Selly Oak) to preserve my eyesight and my flying cat!

As with self drive to Selly Oak - you can always self drive MT unless you are receiving eye drops which means that you cannot drive after treatment. It takes about 2 hours to drive to Selly Oak from a big base near Lincoln - no real hardship so overnight is taking the p**s somewhat.

That said, I will miss the excellent service that I received at Cranwell - the passing of the optometrist department will be mourned!

airborne_artist

18th Dec 2008, 08:04

Transport there the day before for an overnighter ready for an appointment early doors the next day followed by transport RTU.

Oh my God, 90 miles each way for an appointment. Welcome to the real world, sunshine.

FWIW my last out-of-office meeting (last week) was in Manchester. I left home at 0500, in loads of time for my 0930 appointment, despite the M6. 90 mins in the meeting, and then back here at 1315.

Sentry Agitator

18th Dec 2008, 08:14

'He could always wear glasses'
Yes I could and I probably will. However, there are perfectly good reasons why I have prescribed lenses. The new system just makes it that bit more difficult to get them 'legally'. A 2-minute phonecall had it all sorted previously and at no additional cost to anyone but myself.

Ah the COST - Yes I do pay for the lenses too and at a rate comparable to civvie street. For those that say the high street is the option. Yes, it would be if we were cleared to use the same lenses. I was very surprised when my RAF prescribed lenses were from the same manufacturer as the ones I had to stop using from Specsavers because they were not cleared for flying? The RAF ones cost a little bit more too.

Finally, can I ask where you read in my first post that I asked for a driver? I'm more than able to drive myself my dear chap. You assume too much with knowing very little and we all know what assumption does. What I said was Transport there the day before..... followed by transport RTU Nothing in there that requires a driver to my understanding.

SA

PPRuNeUser0211

18th Dec 2008, 09:01

Well I for one am not going to complain about the change. And that has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I'm based somewhat further north than lincolnshire, (far enough to require an overnight trip, for all you "ooh get up at 5am and be back in time for lunch" heroes!) and my better half works at selly oak... shame that;)! Now can anyone remember what the "private arrangements" accommodation allowance is at the moment;)?

Mr C Hinecap

18th Dec 2008, 10:13

Finally, can I ask where you read in my first post that I asked for a driver? I'm more than able to drive myself my dear chap. You assume too much with knowing very little

You assume I'm referring to you as opposed to the wider aircrew community - and the quote I was replying to wasn't one of yours. Keep your assumptions as I don't want them. Being a loggie, I'm thinking of the implications of this situation on those not blessed to be aircrew and how they have to pick up the additional tasks. Someone runs the stuff that happens outside your cockpit/crewroom/bubble and applies the 'so what' to keep stuff happening.

Once A Brat

18th Dec 2008, 10:32

"Now can anyone remember what the "private arrangements" accommodation allowance is at the momenthttp://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/wink2.gif? "

:=Unfortunately pba..........its (PAHA) just been withdrawn (see latest JPA bulletin), its now CHBS hotel booking or no money!! Sorry

Suppose you always treat your other half to night out, but don't spend your £24.52 all at once.

As for the contact lenses.....i wear lenses and pay for them, the RAF covers an eyesight test once a year (which if you go to Boots is also a full MOT) or I can wear Defence specs (i'm not aircrew)........if the Service's requirement is to source from Cranwell/Selly Oak then so be it

However, it just seems to be jointery gone mad since other than an Army centric hosiptal unit in Birmingham, what other units, let alone flying units, are there in the West Mids. The move will be a boon to the old duffers on UBAS though!

anotherthing

18th Dec 2008, 12:33

1.5 - 2 days out of the office, with an overnighter... for a 180 mile round trip?

FFS, thats taking the pi$$ whether you are driving yourself or employing a driver.

On the one hand, current serving members of the forces complain (quite rightly) about MOD overspend and poor budgeting, allied with lack of good equipment... then at the same time they can justify to themselves the above...

Am I alone in seeing the irony?

airborne_artist

18th Dec 2008, 12:41

How much rocket science is there in testing for and prescribing contact lenses?

Rather than sending everyone to Selly Oak, why not contract out the process to local opticians who are suitably qualified? Saves staffing a dept in Selly Oak, saves time for the users, win-win.

Or is that too easy? :ugh:

trap one

18th Dec 2008, 15:09

Re the overnighter. Ladies and Gents the comment was made in all honesty as I have experienced the same sort of med trip.
From exactly the same base as SA, as MT shift change was 0600 and there was no MT overtime available an early morning departure was not available to meat a rush hour 0900 appointment. It was therefore a depart previous day, overnight at a local hotel and be picked up after the appointment by another MT Driver. All because the appointment meant that I was to given eye drops and would therefore be unable to drive legally RAF MT.
Another part of the arguement for the double MT driver usage was that the appoinment was scheduled for a number of hours and that even though the Driver would be resting he/she would have gone over their "duty day" when the out/in journey and waiting hours were all taken into account.
The OASC clinic was very well run and people were very helpful to everyone I know used it.
To me it is not a matter of insulting various people but another small part of the reduction in the RAF as a whole. So instead of complaining about or insulting people it should be seen for waht it is a poster letting people know that another part of the RAF has gone and will not be replaced with a user friendly/local servise.

OHP 15M

18th Dec 2008, 18:24

SA

I did'nt know that the C'well Dept had closed so thanks for the post. Don't think it deserved some of the venomous responses from the anti-aircrew brigade!

P.S. Hope you can read this ok!

OHP 15M

18th Dec 2008, 18:26

Larger font version for those with poor eyesight.

SA

I did'nt know that the C'well Dept had closed so thanks for the post. Don't think it deserved some of the venomous responses from the anti-aircrew brigade!

P.S. Hope you can read this ok!

Foghorn Leghorn

18th Dec 2008, 18:28

The optometry depart at Birmingham will be NHS run. As a result of this for each patient they have come their way, they get a lump sum of cash from the Government.

Delta Hotel

18th Dec 2008, 18:48

The reality is that the Cranwell optometry has provided an excellent service for aircrew over the past years - thank you Penny & Chetna, as you spoiled us. The team were thorough, professional and entirely concerned about the welfare of aircrew eyesight.

The future: some NHS eye doc (who changes every 4 weeks) who is paid per patient and has no idea how to spell flying, let alone know how his/her decision will impact on our careers/flying acuity.

Thanks to the RAF medical branch for failing to inform aircrew about this rubbish decision and the detail about the new arrangements (if only I knew what they were) - communication is a skill sorely missing here.

In sum, thanks to the CWL team - you will be missed.:D

DH

airborne_artist

18th Dec 2008, 19:02

The optometry depart at Birmingham will be NHS run.

I'm sure they are all lovely people, but the NHS rarely runs anything efficiently. Great quality, sometimes, but lousy with money. Trust me - my BiL is a doctor!

Mystic Greg

18th Dec 2008, 19:29

I'd just like to second Delta Hotel in recording my thanks to Penny and Chetna, plus Jo and various other assistants over the years, for the excellent service they have provided. I am sorry it has come to an end.

Foghorn Leghorn

18th Dec 2008, 19:39

I'm definately with DH.

A very big thank you to Penny, Chetna and Jo.

PPRuNeUser0211

19th Dec 2008, 05:04

Here here!

(seconded the waste of money comment on the NHS though, although the difference is that they waste 30p a million times, rather than 3mil in a 1er!)

sidewayspeak

19th Dec 2008, 10:31

Individually, the cuts are small. But it's the old adage - death by a thousand cuts...

The Service is so much poorer for the little things that are gradually disappearing, and the attitudes of those still serving suffers accordingly.

PPRuNeUser0211

19th Dec 2008, 11:46

The phrase is "nibbled to death by ducks".....

bong-bing

19th Dec 2008, 16:23

Having attempted the Specsavers route in Lincoln - to be told the prescription given was utterly useless and plain wrong I'd like to echo the words of DH.

Shoulda gone to Cranwell.:ok:

Another case of fixing what ain't broken.:ugh:

SidHolding

19th Dec 2008, 17:42

So, just to clarify a few things admidst the ****e which is thrown around on this site.......

Can I still expect my 3 monthly supply of lenses in the next few days (the last batch were in Sep)? I never had to phone to order them, they were on a rolling 3 month delivery. If not, why not, and when can I expect to be informed of the changes rather than read them on here?

Sid. (looking forward to wearing specs again........not)

Selector

4th Jan 2009, 11:52

DH,

The aircrew contact lens service is now run by the RAF consultant advisor in Ophthalmology who is based in the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Birmingham. From what I understand, this will not entail NHS doctors but our own specialists. I have been led to believe that the CA intends to run out-clinics at a number of RAF Stations on a monthly basis which will, hopefully, make the overall service better, not worse. Yes, it is less convenient for those of us who could just pop across to Cranwell but an earlier thread touched on one issue that was lacking in the OASC-run aircrew lens service - that of the lack of clinical governance. I suggest that we give the CA a chance and see what he comes up with. It could be that the new system will enable a speedy response any eye issues found during the periodic examination.

Could be the last?

4th Jan 2009, 17:36

A small grenade from the cheap seats:

With the potential upgrade in SLAPS and the upcoming APED project, it is highly likely that CFS will be replaced by CLs in total; this will affect all military aviators who require specs.

9.81m/s/s

4th Jan 2009, 19:58

CHineHat -

have you done much flying in Aircrew flying helmet, at lowish level, peering at a map with your head hangin' outside the downwash 2 to 3 hour sortie? Ear cups clamped tightly into the arms of your specs, digging into your head and behind your ears? Wind trying to pull your specs off? No? Mmm thought not - as you might imagine it is not comfortable and some decide it is much easier to do the job of going and picking up some poor mangled squaddie without the added discomfort! I don't think asking for contact lenses is too much to ask do you? After all if we are getting better, more comfortable body armour and better more comfortable armoured vehicles then why not have better more comfortable equipment for being able to friggin well see? Sounds like you are having an anti aircrew whinge and nothing else. Grow up.

iccarus

4th Jan 2009, 20:26

Ok....

So with about 6 days of contact lens use left before i have to report into work and explain why i am unfit to fly, can somebody give me the names/numbers required to sort this cake and @rse party out..:ugh:

Thanks

icc

Sentry Agitator

4th Jan 2009, 20:41

Iccarus

Check your pms

SA

BEagle

4th Jan 2009, 21:08

Another problem with corrective flying spectacles, for flying helmet wearers, is that the head-to-earcup seal is degraded when spectacles are worn. This might have long term effects on your hearing loss if you fly in noisy environments.

Time Flies

4th Jan 2009, 21:18

Sentry Agitator

If you are in the know could you please explain to me the method we now have to use to acquire contact lenses...I'm guessing it's not a quick call to Chetna and the crew anymore.

Also, for the yearly / 6-monthly checks what is the procedure now...do we still receive reminders or is the ball in our court to organise timings etc?

Sorry for all the Qs!

TF

starbright

4th Jan 2009, 22:50

TF,

Long and short nobody knows what is happening! Spoke to my Med centre and they haven't a clue as it is news to them aswell. I only found out through Sentry Agitator's post and I called the week they shut and was lucky to order a 6 month supply (Yes, Mr C Winecup I had to pay the going unsubsided rate just like yourself, actually think they are more expensive than the high street but in accordance with the JSP, our orders, we have to buy them through the RAF). Hopefully within 6 months the new system will be up and running!?!? I know it is not ideal and doesn't address the long term problem but Specsavers can have you sorted fairly quickly with a presciption and the prices are similiar including free check-ups (Yes, M C Winecup just like you get!) Save you a trip to Birmingham and get you sorted quicker but not quite strictly by the book.

I would like to Sentry Agitator for bringing this to everyone's attention. It is good that people highlight things like this to each other, hence how I knew to get a good stock of lenses. I am very dissappointed that people like Mr C Winecup use this forum as vent for anti-aircrew sentiment. I know there is alot of aircrew/non-aircrew banter in the service and long should it remain. However, there is no need for the bitter and twisted to vent their spleen on such a forum. Quite frankly they should be banned.

We all have jobs to do in the RAF, whether we are in "grow bags","blues" or "civvies", lets focus on the the common enemy (Taleban, Politicians, Soviets etc). We all have the same opportunities in life, some choose different paths or are forced down a certain route. Some fly aircraft, some fix them, some feed us, some pay us (unless you bank with the Nationwide!) and so on. We all work hard at different times and lets keep the petty bitching out of public sight and in the workplace, frankly it is not very professional. Herewith end of moan.....

For those non-military who are reading this, the perks in the service aren't quite what you think i.e. we don't get free contact lenses, but we do get upto 6-month all-inclusive winter sun breaks to Iraq and Afghanistan...interested? Then sign up and enjoy the "perks"!

Also a big thank you to Chetna, Penny and the rest of the crew for their years of excellent service, you will be missed! Wish you all the very best for the future!

SB

The Real Slim Shady

4th Jan 2009, 23:42

You fellas are barking mad: how much wonga could be saved by putting all the ancillary trivia to civilian contracts?

Wensleydale

5th Jan 2009, 06:33

I rang Cranwell in October to arrange my annual check (standing appt due to a long standing eye condition). I was told that they would be unable to see me this year but my details would be passed on to Selly Oak from whom I would receive an appointment. Needless to say, I am still waiting.

Sentry Agitator

5th Jan 2009, 08:55

Folks

This is as I found prior to the break. I'm still trying to get sorted so it may not be the definitive solution.

The dept at Cranwell has closed as stated and all those on record there will have all of their details transferred to Selly Oak in due course. I do not know how long it will take for this to be completed; however, my details had not been transferred prior to the break. As I'm not due a follow up appointment until Mar there was obviously no hurry?

You can still order your prescription through Selly Oak as long as they have your details. If they don't, then you have to be referred to them by the SMO. This is because they have to start a new file on you if they don't have your details and historical record of the checks previously done by Penny and Chetna at Cranwell.

The tele no for the opticians secretary at Selly is 0121 627 1627 extn 53112 but the opticians secretary (Tracy) is on leave until Tuesday 6th. She has been really helpful in offering advise on how to get things sorted so far.

Just in case you need to adjust any appointments made in the future the direct dial for patient admin is 0121 627 8946.

You now have as much as I do. Good luck one and all and stay safe.

Happy New Year by the way

SA

lazyrs1

5th Jan 2009, 10:36

Many thanks for the information SA, I will give them a ring:ok: I cant understand why people have to moan etc. when they dont know the facts! (Phil R)

Mr C Hinecap

5th Jan 2009, 10:58

starbright. Your erudite post has made me see the error of my ways. I feel I must now apologise to everyone in a growbag who shares my misfortune in being myopic - as my views obviously are.
Imagine me sharing the same medical condition and not having access within the system to something you had access to? We have dental for all - why not optical services? We all need them the same - we're all equally useless without them. I'm not anti Aircrew - I've enjoyed the company of 3 or 4 of them in my time. I'm anti someone mumping because a small, select service has changed and they think mumping on here will change the price of fish. It doesn't. Get into the 'system' and change it or expect non-special people to throw stones when you mump on a public forum.
Now put your specs on and MTFU.

Sentry Agitator

5th Jan 2009, 12:10

Anyway.....

I've had a phonecall this morning from the med ctr. There is now a letter out on the streets detailing the process for those of us who are apparently more fortunate than Mr C....one team, one fight?

Expect SROs, Stn Intranet and Dii(F) homepages to be buzzing with info soon.

However:

Selly won't be up and running til Mar for consultancy.
They 'should' now have all the files, details & history.
You 'should' get called forward when due a check.
Expect to source your lenses from a local opticians in the interim. Perhaps that should save us a bit of cash and make us all more equal?So everything is now looking great and I can stop 'mumping' whatever that means.

SA

SidHolding

5th Jan 2009, 14:52

My 3 month supply arrived on my doormat on 29th Dec (a few weeks later than norm, but the postal service is slow that time of year). I haven't had to call them or chase anything up. Am I to assume that those of you not getting your lenses only order them as and when required? As other people I know who have a regular 3 or 6 monthly delivery have seen no change?

Must admit, was getting a little concerned they were not going to arrive, but only because of this thread!!

Sid.

Terry K Rumble

5th Jan 2009, 15:13

I would also like to add my sincere thanks to the long list of people who owe a great deal to Penny and her team at cranwell. In my own case, contact lenses were literally a last resort before being medically discharged, as specs could no longer be made to my prescription. Penny managed to source a brand new type of lens from the States for my condition, and allowed me to stay flying for a bit longer. Thanks Penny.

Mr C Hinecap.
The rules governing aircrew wearing specs and/or contact lenses are not made by the aircrew, but by the medics I assume, and if they deem it necessary for someone to wear contact lenses, for whatever reason, then so be it. It is not some sort of vanity thing, as anyone who knows me will vouch for!!

Best wishes to all for 2009 and many thanks once again to Penny for prolonging my career in the Air force for a few more years!

TKR

starbright

5th Jan 2009, 15:40

Thanks for the details Sentry Agitator, most helpful. Will give them a call.

One more for Mr C Winecup...Dental for all, yes great system walk across the other side of the base get seen by a dentist. Non-aircrew opticial care, walk into your local Specsavers, say max 20 mile round trip, pay less and get the same treatment. Aircrew optical care (in my case) 800 mile round trip to Birmingham, pay more and get the same treatment. Being based in Scotland has lots of advantages and this aint one! Personally I would prefer your option but the RAF won't allow it! What is your problem? I believe the intial thread by Sentry Agitator was information based and not a mump. The system shut down without telling anyone what was happening leaving alot of people unable to carry out their job. It wasn't run by aircrew for aircrew and also non-aircrew in Lincolnshire used the Service. It just wasn't practical for anyone else in the RAF to use it over there local opticians, you didn't miss much. DRY YOUR EYES PRINCESS AND THINK YOURSELF LUCKY!

The Real Slim Shady, I completely agree! I would much prefer to go to my local Specsavers (2 miles away) just like Mr C Winecup but some overpaid goon else where obviously knows better!:ugh:

Selector

5th Jan 2009, 17:44

Unfortunately, both Penny and Chetna have left OASC and they have not been able to find replacements. As such, there are no full-time optometrists who could provide the contact lens service. The extract below sets out the Medical Branch plan to continue the contact lens service; all SMOs will have received the full text of the letter:

DCA Ophthalmology has agreed that aircrew who wear CLs and are due review in Jan/Feb 09 may delay their follow up if they are experiencing no problems. Review appointments will be sent out to aircrew once the clinic arrangements are finalised. SMOs with any aircrew experiencing problems with their CLs are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s BMEC Secretary on (TELEPHONE NUMBER PROVIDED) to arrange review. If aircrew do not receive a review appointment at the expected time then they are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s Secretary directly or via the SMO.

If aircrew are at risk of running out of CLs before Mar 09 then they are authorised to buy their currently authorised CLs, at their own expense, from a local provider. SMOs or aircrew are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s BMEC Secretary for details of the make of their CLs and their latest prescription.

The future arrangements for aircrew who wish to wear, or are authorised to wear, CLs are as follows:

The CL clinic at BMEC will start on 5 Mar 09. Initial referrals are to be made to Secretary to Wg Cdr (NAME PROVIDED), DCA in Ophthalmology, Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre, City Hospital, Dudley, Birmingham B18 7QH. Telephone: (NUMBER PROVIDED) Fax (NUMBER PROVIDED).

Routine review appointments iaw AP1269A Lflt 5-14 Annex C will be sent to aircrew following the opening of the CL clinic. If aircrew do not receive notification of an appointment at the expected time then they are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s Secretary directly or via their SMO.

The closure of the CL service at OASC means that CLs can no longer be provided to aircrew through OASC. DCA Ophthalmology will provide guidance to aircrew on sources for CLs when they are reviewed at BMEC.

If aircrew experience problems with their CLs then they are to see the SMO for referral to DCA Ophthalmology at BMEC.

The relocation of the aircrew CL service from OASC to BMEC provides an opportunity to review the process for the follow up of aircrew who wear CLs and for the supply of CLs. The aim is to reduce the frequency of review at BMEC and allow some local review thereby reducing operational impact in terms of time away from work. In addition, it is an aspiration to award a central contract for CL provision which will reduce the cost. One option that is being explored is the potential for CL supply to be coordinated through BMEC. This work will be taken forward by DDAvMed, DCA Ophthalmology and the IPT. The Medical Branch continues to push for central funding of aircrew CLs as a contribution to flight safety and operational effectiveness.
Your SMO has the full details including the name and telephone numbers that I have not listed. If you are not able to contact your SMO and need assistance in a hurry then e-mail me through PPRuNe and I’ll get back to you.

Hope this clears up any remaining confusion.

S

Selector

5th Jan 2009, 17:54

Starbright,

According to the message I have seen from the Medics, we can buy our own lenses through our local optician:

If aircrew are at risk of running out of CLs before Mar 09 then they are authorised to buy their currently authorised CLs, at their own expense, from a local provider. SMOs or aircrew are to contact DCA Ophthalmology’s BMEC Secretary for details of the make of their CLs and their latest prescription.

Chetna advised me that we would need to provide proof of our prescription - SMO should be able to obtain this through Birmingham if you do not have it yourself. By the way, these lenses are not special to aircrew. Joe used to order then from a catalogue just like anyHigh Street optometrist - so they should not have cost us any more than normal. This ordering, billing and processing the repayment ended up being a full-time job - not what was intended when the system was introduced.

S

nelepope

5th Jan 2009, 18:57

Hi All RAF aircrew CL wearers,

What a mess! The powers that be have decided to move the whole shebang to Selly Oak but there is, as yet, no facility set up to deal with you except that the Admin Cell has your details and knows when you should be due for a review. You'll have gathered that neither myself nor Chetna are involved any more.

If you're desperately overdue or need more lenses you should probably visit your local optom - doesn't have to be Specsavers - take the packaging from your current lenses so they know exactly what you're wearing and they should be able to sort you out though you may have to go into some detail about the conditions within the aircraft as not all will immediately appreciate the environment in which you work.

It was my pleasure and privilege to deal with you all and I'm sorry that the service couldn't continue as it was.

Best wishes

Penny

Sentry Agitator

5th Jan 2009, 19:41

Penny

It is 'the few' CL wearers who will always be thankful to you and Chetna. As many have stated - Thank you for all you have done over the years.

I guess we never really knew or appreciated how lucky we all were to have the level of care you provided....that is until it has gone of course.

You and Chetna will be missed but good luck to you both for the future.

SA

iccarus

5th Jan 2009, 19:48

May i just confirm that i am allowed to privately source contact lenses without contravening existing regulations. If i acquire new lenses this weekend, have a mid air next monday(as a buddy did, many years ago, whilst wearing non RAF approved 'optometric' equipment!!), that the subsequent board will not treat me like a human kebab??
:eek:

Eyewitness

5th Jan 2009, 23:32

Dear all aircrew contact lens wearers,

I heard there was a thread running on pprune and I wanted to add a few comments.

Firstly, I am sorry for the inconvenience this has and is causing many of you. As you might have guessed, this was out of my control, and I did my best over the last few months to maintain the service.
Higher powers decided that a dedicated contact lens service was no longer justified at RAF Cranwell, and that this service would be better placed at RCDM in Birmingham.
Jo and I did our best to inform as many patients as possible of the changes, but with limited resources this was never going to be easy! So apologies to all of you who have only just become aware of the situation.
The RAF Cranwell optometry clinic existed to provide a professional, thorough, product-independent service, with out-reach clinics to make the facility as accessible as possible. I hope we achieved that.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of you and hope the new service in Birmingham meets your expectations.

Kind regards

Chetna

starbright

6th Jan 2009, 07:24

Penny and Chetna,

Thanks for the posts and once again thank you for your years of support! Wishing you both all the very best for the future and Chetna, I hope the job hunting goes well.

Kindest regards,

SB.

CrazyMonkey

6th Jan 2009, 19:55

Penny and Chetna

Thanks for your flexibility and care over the years. I have my fingers crossed for the future of RAF eyecare.

CM

P-M-G

6th Jan 2009, 20:34

Penny & Chetna

What an efficient, professional service you've provided over the years. No need to apologise for the demise of the service either - we all know the forces are being 'nibbled to death by ducks' and this premium service sadly is a victim of that culture. I'm sure in time the Birmingham clinic will function as advertised - however it won't be nearly half as much fun as coming to visit either of you!

Kind regards for the future.

noprobs

13th Jan 2009, 14:38

Great system! I rang Birmingham. They told me to take my last lens packets to my local optician and ask for some more of the same. I went to SpecSavers. They told me (as advised earlier in this thread) that they must have a current signed prescription. Otherwise, make an appointment and pay £20 for the consultation before the lenses can be ordered.

BTW, another reason for aircrew needing to wear lenses is ejection. You are quite likely to lose specs, and damage yourself at the same time. If E&E is necessary, imperfect vision and facial damage are not helpful. Contact lenses do remarkably well in ejection. They started to become fairly standard for Harrier pilots with the advent of the GR7 and night ground attack, as the number of optical devices between the pilot and the target got greater.

lazyrs1

13th Jan 2009, 17:25

There are quite a few sites on the internet you can get lenses from, www.contactlenses.co.uk (http://www.contactlenses.co.uk) is one. You do have to enter current optician but just put cranwell. There are a few other sites as well. I will use them in the short term until brum get their admin sorted.

Eyewitness

13th Jan 2009, 19:11

Dear all,

Unfortunately, here's another issue which adds to the confusion of contact lens sourcing from Birmingham.

I've been contacted by the Head Optometrist at Birmingham, whose optical assistant (Lena Hicks) has been inundated with orders for contact lenses which she is unable to action for legal reasons. This problem is affecting NHS patients who require specialist lenses for medical reasons, and have been unable to get through to the department due to the volume of calls. She has kindly requested that RAF aircrew contact Wg Cdr Scott for advice on the following number:
0121 554 3801 and ask for Wg Cdr Scott's secretary.

This really seems to be going from bad to worse. I hope there is formal clarification on this very soon.

Chetna

spheroid

13th Jan 2009, 19:31

Try Buy Contact Lenses online from the Contact Lens Shop - Vision Express (http://www.visionexpress.com/contact-lenses/)

I get mine from them and they always seem to be slightly cheaper than Specsavers....and you can get them online and delivered to your home address.

betty swallox

13th Jan 2009, 20:07

C Hinecap.
You've come across as naive and foolish. There's no point in trying to come across as all intellectual with your "myopic" comments, etc. You've got it wrong and ought to admit it. As aircrew we have to wear certain brands of lens. That is RAF specified. And we pay cost price. The end. There's no special treatment for us aircrew. So get over it. Please put it to bed. All we are endeavouring to do is to find out the process.

noprobs

14th Jan 2009, 16:38

Today's advice from the medical centre is that, if you need a consultation by the supplying optician, the cost can be claimed back, at least until the end of March.

Sentry Agitator

14th Jan 2009, 19:31

Hi Folks - more info

I discussed the situation with the secretary yesterday and was told that BMEC (Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre) won't be ready until March and that they are also unable to supply CLs at this time.

I was also told that they still don't have the notes from OASC??? that bit is quite worrying.

I was advised to take whatever I had along to my local opticians and ask for an issue which I could purchase at my own expense.

I arranged for a late start (time off already) and walked into my civilian specs supplier. Needless to say....I shouldn't have gone to! as they were not too helpful. I was informed that I needed to see an optician at a cost. I left and went to the really fast opticians and result....I can have exactly what I need on Saturday as long as when my docs pitch up I can fax a copy of my prescription for their reference/records.

HOWEVER, the cost was massive £140 for only 2-months supply. It would be cheaper to be on a DD of course.

I now have the delights of JPA to contend with to recoup some (obviously not all) of my costs. That'll be tomorrows joys of joys no doubt.

I was a bit 'dischuffed' by lunchtime so phoned for a Doctors apptmt to discuss. Whilst the Dr was very sympathetic, there wasn't a great deal that she could do. I have asked for a formal referral to BMEC just in case my 'calling forward' fails to materialize.

I now have a copy of the letter from Air Cmd addressed to all SMOs and DII'd 20090105-Aircrew Contact Lens-U. It may be worth getting a copy?

I'd just like to add - we have gone from using a centre of excellence in provision of care with very few staff looking after how many ???? (insert figure) to now having many ???? scattered far and wide and struggling to find informed guidance from several Med Ctrs scattered across the RAF with the associated admin burden to everyone.

Thank you Sirs/Ma'ams - You really have excelled with the QCIT, value stream analysis or lean process this time......WELL DONE. Its now taken me a month to do what I used to be able to achieve in a 2-minute phonecall to Jo.

SA - slightly miffed

Albert Another

25th Mar 2009, 12:18

I have been reading this thread with despair. I was lucky enough to be warned and pre-ordered a 6 month supply of contact lenses last year. I am flabbergasted that the management of change has been so poor. I have been trying to find out what was going on so I could order some more contacts only to find answering machines, dead-ends and a total lack of information :ugh:.

To those who have initiated this change for better or worse PLEASE:

Send a PAN air force email telling us what, when and where things are happening. IT IS GOOD TO TALK!

Penny and Chetna: May I echo the comments of others here by saying thank you for your advice and help over the last 10 years or so. You provided a friendly, flexible and very professional service :D (the powers at be please take note).

Albert Another

2nd Apr 2009, 16:14

Has anybody had any success ordering contact lenses from Birmingham? I’ve not had any calls returned! :ugh::ugh::ugh:
I know that as aircrew we tend to get the job done, order elsewhere, get by, but this is such a state that I want to keep this thread alive. Would a private optician just cut off their patients?

Sentry Agitator

2nd Apr 2009, 18:13

Mac - you are right, it won't do any good to repeat what has already been said.

Albert - not that I'm aware of. We have 6 on the Sqn struggling that I know of.

However, in my case I'm about due another batch as are others serving with me. I know of one who has gone autonomous and registered completely with a civ practitioner and I'm likely to do the same.

One of the 6 spoke directly to the Wg Cdr optician at Birmingham who has stated that they are nowhere near ready to undertake the task and it may be some time yet.

I asked about the location of records back in Feb and again today and they are ALL still at OASC as Birmingham have no storage for them and due to the Data Prot Act I couldn't get a copy of my prescription faxed through! I'm still waiting to receive my info 2 months after formally applying at the med ctr on a FMed whatever.

My concern, however unlikely, is that if I got a civ prescription and it was different to my prescrition issued by Penny and Chetna where would I stand insurance wise?? Surely whatever I use has to be 'rubber stamped' by the RAF Med Auth.

As an extra point I had my JPA claim rejected for the difference between what I used to pay and the increased sum I had to pay due to the rug being pulled. I've since been told by the Med Ctr staff that we may (stress - MAY) be able to get the difference back but I don't hold out much hope.

SA

Albert Another

6th Apr 2009, 10:50

Update:

I spoke to my med centre to ask for an update. They contacted Birmingham who said that ‘they are still not up and running, so go to a local optician and then try and claim the money back’. I then asked for my prescription but was told that they have no ideal where my documents would be.

The staff at the med centre were very helpful but thought there was not a big problem, mainly because aircrew had been sourcing contacts from other means and had not raise concerns to them. However, after hearing about my issues it is now going to be raised at Practice Manager level.

I suggest everyone with issues regarding contact lenses to have them forwarded to your Practice Manager to ensure they are given the appropriate visibility.

Doctor Cruces

6th Apr 2009, 11:44

For all of you folks complaining about the fact that contact lenses are available and worn, I say only this.

Steely eyed pilots and specs? Don't be daft! Image, man, IMAGE!!

Blimey, what is the world coming to?

:):)

Doc C

Delta Hotel

7th Apr 2009, 21:01

Has anyone highlighted this debacle to COS Health?

It is about time that the clown who made the crass decision to close the Cranwell Optom dept is held to account.....or gets the Birmingham dept up and running asap (i.e yesterday).:(

DH

Albert Another

28th Apr 2009, 06:48

Morning all,

Has anyone had any luck getting lenses from Birmingham; my supply has almost run out.

What cheap alternative suppliers online have people found to cover until Birmingham FINALLY get up and running?

Cheers

Delta Hotel

28th Apr 2009, 08:12

AA,

I asked my med centre 3 weeks ago to chase this issue - so far, no response. The debacle continues......:hmm:

DH

Fortissimo

18th May 2009, 20:27

Anybody heard anything more on this? Any new numbers to call etc?

Delta Hotel

19th May 2009, 01:16

AA,

Spoke to med centre who confirmed that they have set up contract with local optom - I'm booked in for eye test and confirmation of prescription and the lenses are ordered for me there and then (bill goes direct to med centre). It appears that Birmingham NHS agreement is a long way from being an effective alternative to Cranwell.

Don't worry, somebody is bound to have got promoted for this great scheme.

DH

Sentry Agitator

19th May 2009, 18:50

Having asked for my notes/data back in Feb under the Data Protection Act and not heard anything by early April I reattacked and was told that all our notes are now in a sealed box in the main Med Ctr at Cranwell awaiting transfer.

Unofficially - the problem of the data not being transferred to Birmingham stems from those at Brum saying they aren't responsible for collecting them, whilst those at Cranwell say that they are not responsible for sending them! WTF over? I must add this is hearsay but the usual 59 days requirement to respond under the DPA has not happened.
After asking who I should redress because of the debacle, I was given a CFS1 and told to make an appointment with the contracted Sleaford Opticians. As I feared, my prescription had changed. However, because I had gone armed with a CFS1 and because the form gets returned to the med ctr to be put on my Fmed4 on completion; I'm still cleared to continue without any potential of questions being asked in the future. I had my new batch of lenses within 4 days and those worried I may have made a similar MPs expenses claim, I paid for them at the normal market price. I also have a specs and lenses prescription that I could use on line which was all I was after in the first place.:ok:

My claim for the eye test has been submitted through JPA.

So it has actually turned out to be an easy fix albeit 6-months on. It makes you wonder if we need Selly to stand up if the med ctrs can set up contracts doesn't it?

Hope this helps

SA

Albert Another

21st May 2009, 07:42

DH,

Thanks for the update. I'll give it a go. :ok:

AA

Ken Scott

22nd May 2009, 07:55

After making many calls to Birmingham at the start of the year & been given the run around I gave up, went to the local opticians & had an eye test to confirm prescription (on RMC contract) & paid for a contact lens check (£32, reclaimed through JPA). I now get lenses from them, the cost is about 30% more than when they used to come from Cranwell but I might explore cheaper outlets on the internet if nothing materialises re Birmingham.

I still have not received an appointment & I'm starting to question whether I need to take the time off to trek up there - perhaps having destroyed a first rate facility at OASC we should now all use local opticians, good for the economy & reduced carbon emissions driving to Brum? The RAF loses control of this aspect of our health care, but if they didn't care enough to keep Cranwell open......?

Chetna - I hope you have found a good new job, I'm sure you will have as you were (are) a first rate optician!

Albert Another

30th May 2009, 09:42

I have managed to get my prescription details and ordered some contacts online. However, because the old OASC department used to get the latest products at cost price, I have had to pay about 1/3 more online for the same product, and with considerably more time and effort. I have tried going back to older products but the decrease in comfort and effectiveness is noticeable.

For those reading this who see just aircrew winging about having to pay more for stuff please note: 1. We are cleared to fly with contact lenses, which are better than glasses (clear peripheral vision, no obstruction due to frames, allows the user to wear ‘efficient’ sunglasses). This all gives better flight safety.

2. Latest contact lense technology offers better safety and better eye health.

3. Due to the chance of short notice detachments of considerable length, we need the ability to quickly order additional bulk supplies. The old OASC could arrange for delivery globally at very short notice (hording lenses just in case does not work due to possible changes in prescriptions).

4. OASC had our very detailed eye 'history' stretching back many years so changes in eye health could be tracked. The local optician does not.
I hope that when Birmingham is up and running that the ability to trial new products, rapidly order supplies, deliver them where evey you are in the world, at cost price to the user, is available. Good eye care = better flight safety; but also pilots with better vision in later life and that = long-term financial savings. :ok:

Mr C Hinecap

30th May 2009, 11:13

Albert - nice to see a parochial aircrew of optical health and support there. I'm sure our men and women in any other Trade or Branch would not be able to claim the same benefits you have highlighted for your own.

Or would we not gain from better safety (not just flight safety) and better eye health overall? Nobody else suffers the trauma of deployments like you do. Someone pass me the specially modified blinkered violin - I feel a maudlin tune coming on. :rolleyes:

Albert Another

31st May 2009, 09:04

Mr C you have a bite: :ok:

It may have slipped your mind but airforce = aircraft and eyes are sort of useful when trying to hit tgts on the ground or avoiding them in the air.

As an aside CAP 774: The avoidance of other traffic is ultimately the pilot’s responsibility - good eye health tends to help with that.

Contrary to common belief, even for some people in the med centre, contacts were not free, we paid for them. Every branch has their wish list of things they would like to have maintained or acquired for them, and I applauded anyone who fights for their corner to be defended. There are those who try to affect change and those who just get jealous of others and snipe behind closed doors. Too-shay.

Mr C Hinecap

31st May 2009, 09:48

It may have slipped your mind but airforce = aircraft and eyes are sort of useful when trying to hit tgts on the ground or avoiding them in the air.

As an aside CAP 774: The avoidance of other traffic is ultimately the pilot’s responsibility - good eye health tends to help with that.

Is it beyond your comprehension that airforce = a lot of people who never enter the cockpit? Eyes are sort of useful for everyone doing everything and not just useful when trying to hit tgts on the ground or avoiding them in the air :rolleyes: Fixing aircraft needs eyesight etc etc.

There are approx 2080 pilots in the RAF - about 5% of the total manpower. The other 95% all carry out essential duties that help in putting the weapon platform where it needs to be, when it needs to be there, with the correct load for the task required. The aircrew are there for the last 5% of that task.

Keep yourself in context. Those who fail to do so end up looking like the current batch of MPs when they tell us that we won't understand and we are just jealous.

Albert Another

31st May 2009, 10:07

Mr C,

I refuse to get into a slagging match here and I take great offence that you think I am oblivious of the rest of the team. As my last paragraph states we ALL have our areas of concern be that trivial, minor or major.

This fish has just dropped off your hook....hee....heee

Wrathmonk

31st May 2009, 10:23

Mr C

I'm with you - high quality eye care, and the availability of contact lenses, should not be restricted to aircrew. All sorts of people are expected to be able to fire rounds down the biggest range in the world, often with little notice! Whilst this covers units such as Tiswas, RAFP, RAF Regt etc (who may already be entitled) everyone still carries a personal weapon (perhaps not the padre!). Last thing you need when ambushed is to knock your glasses off. And if you're wearing contacts you too can look good in the latest BX Oakleys!:E

BTW - I'm aircrew who wears MOD 'issued' glasses for flying (and has to rely on a dark visor for sun protection!). Can't hit a barn door on the range with a pistol as I always forget to take the bins with me. Really ought to move onto contacts but that whole finger close to the eyeball thing ....:yuk: