This is not strictly NHS but it seems here is where the expertise is. I am leaving a branch of a well-known High Street franchised opticians and have requested my records. I have been given conflicting information by different staff at the current branch such as - "we can only give you your last prescription, - we are not allowed to let you have your records by law (which one not known), - we can only give them to another optician on request, - we are not allowed to give them to another optician, - we can give your records if you call in person, with a request in writing and photo ID (we can't post them in case you don't live where you say you have lived for the last 10 years) - a fee is normal with medical records, you'd be charged one if you changed doctor". I can understand the commercial advantage of keeping records within one company albeit a different branch but am miffed that this lever is being used to keep my custom. There are good medical reasons for me having continuity of records detailing the deterioration of my eyesight. Are they classed as 'medical records' and does this affect my rights to have them? Would I have to pay a fee under the Data Protection Act and if so would I receive the originals (of no use to them now I'm moving away from that branch) or just a copy? I am taking this to their Head Office for their 'definitive' answer but am interested to know how prevalent stores holding important info on computer then charging customers for it is. Your comments are most welcome.