Peter Hazell says that he had to pay £500 for dentures while a Russian can come here and obtain them free (Oxford Mail, May 12).

I have been treated the same way but with opticians.

My wife phoned her optician to enquire about prices for me, explaining that I was a pensioner.

She was asked if I was receiving Pension Credit. When she told them I was, they informed her I could get a free eye test, free lenses and free frames.

I took with me letters from the Pensions Office to confirm I was on Pension Credit.

I mentioned three or four times I had the letter to prove my claim, but never once did the optician ask to see it.

I had the eye test, then came the shock - I was told that they would cost me £147.

I phoned staff at the Pensions Office at Cardiff, who told me I was entitled to a voucher for my glasses.

I told the optician that I had a voucher and was informed that my glasses would be ready in 10 days.

Then, to my surprise, I received a phone call to say that my glasses were ready for collection and that I could pay in monthly instalments of £49.30p.

My pension, including Pension Credit, amounts to £120 per week for two of us to live on.

After I have paid for gas, electric, water rates and TV licence, food and laundry out of my pension, it will take me two weeks to pay my wife back the £49.20 - and I will still have to save £13 per week to finish paying for my glasses.

I agree with Mr Hazell - it's not fair.

PETER COLLETT The Slade Headington Oxford