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!