[HPforGrownups] Re: the view from Harry's glasses

[The Crashing Boar]

No: HPFGUIDX 72264

  From: elady25 
  I get my eyes checked once a year, but my perscription hasn't changed 
  in three or four years.  Plus, it's doubtful the Dursley's would pop 
  the money for new frames, even if they had to get him new lenses.  
  Sorry for a boring answer there.  But I think maybe y'all are onto 
  something, because it surprised me the Dursley's would have bought 
  him any in the first place.  It seems like anything he does manage to 
  get was Dudley's first.  I think it interesting they haven't kept him 
  more cared-for-looking, given how important the neighbors' opinions 
  are to the Dursleys.

  ----

  Harry (and Dudley) would have been called in for 'developmental' checks by his local health authority several times before he started school, and given basic hearing and site tests.  If there was any concern in these areas, he would have been refered on.  Apart from more, similar tests at school, he would be entitled to a free checkup, one free set of basic lenses, and a set of basic frames (if either are needed) annually from a qualified optician.  Almost all health checks and medical treatment of minors in Britain are free, although the choice/selection of some items (like frames) may be limited.  More recently, instead of choosing from a limited range of free frames, it has been possible to put the 'voucher price' of the frames towards other frames, and pay the difference.

  The Dursleys would have no excuse not to take Harry for testing, and once a problem had been identified, they would feel obliged to 'keep up apperances', especially as it would cost them nothing.

  As for keeping him 'more cared-for-looking', they spread it around that Harry was an ungrateful child that destroyed or damaged all that he was 'generously' given by the Dursleys - they have even told the neighbours that he goes to a school for crimanally inclined children to explain his abscence during term time!

  Dawn


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