• Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
We Are South Devon
Advertisement
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
We Are South Devon
No Result
View All Result

Specsavers in England reopen today

We Are South Devon by We Are South Devon
June 19, 2020
in Business News

Specsavers stores in England will reopen for routine testing from today following approval from NHS England, having operated an urgent and essential care only service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions.

The full breadth of optical and audiology services, including routine eye and hearing tests, contact lens consultations, frame repairs and the sale of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other products, are now available.

‘With lockdown measures easing, we’ve now extended our services in line with the latest government and NHS guidelines. This means that, for the first time since lockdown, customers are able to book routine eye and hearing tests,’ says Specsavers Clinical Services Director Giles Edmonds.

To help manage social distancing, stores are currently unable to offer a walk-in service. Customers should book an appointment in advance by phone or online via specsavers.co.uk.

New hygiene and personal protection measures include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.

In line with NHS guidance, Specsavers colleagues will use personal protective equipment (PPE) and all testing equipment and frames will be thoroughly sanitised after each use.

Specsavers has also introduced a new in-store role to reassure customers who may feel apprehensive about visiting the opticians after lockdown. The Customer Care Guide will greet customers on arrival and assist them through the new testing process, providing reassurance and answering any questions.

‘The Covid-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge in the management of eye and hearing care,’ says Mr Edmonds.

‘Throughout lockdown we remained open to offer customers essential and urgent care. However, being unable to perform routine eye tests has meant that many people could be living with serious conditions which could have been identified if we had been able to see them.

‘Our own data on hospital referrals shows that in England, compared with the same 10-week period last year, we have referred 80,000 fewer patients to a specialist or for further care. Of most concern clinically are those whose symptoms would not yet be noticeable, such as those with early glaucoma, early diabetic maculopathy or early Age-related Macular Degeneration.

‘We would ask customers to be patient with us as we welcome them back,’ he adds. ‘The guidelines designed to keep customers and colleagues safe will mean fewer people allowed in stores, and maintaining high levels of cleanliness may mean testing takes a little longer.

‘But we want to encourage anyone who has missed their usual sight or hearing test during lockdown to book an appointment as soon as possible, so our teams can return to providing the highest levels of care throughout England.’

Customers unable to attend a store can still access care and support through Specsavers RemoteCare video and telephone consultation service, and Specsavers Ask The Expert Facebook group, while glasses and contact lenses can be bought online with a current prescription at specsavers.co.uk.

The dates for the reintroduction of routine eye and hearing tests in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are yet to be confirmed. Specsavers will adhere to each country’s industry and government guidance once this is established.

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us

Previous Post

Lockdown loneliness: Those with poor vision are feeling more isolated than others

Next Post

New tech set to revolutionise travel on Britain’s railways

Related Posts

Business News

Public Sewer Services renews contract with Exeter-based Lightfoot

February 4, 2023
Business News

Wildlife-friendly Paignton show home garden scoops RSPB award

February 4, 2023
Business News

Plus-ed raises £44,000 for digital wellbeing platform

February 4, 2023
Business News

Kickstart your career with the Torbay Apprenticeships Fair

January 25, 2023
New plan for smart EV charging could save consumers up to £1000 a year
Business News

New plan for smart EV charging could save consumers up to £1000 a year

January 20, 2023
Business News

Discussions underway to secure best future for Pavilion

January 17, 2023
Next Post
New tech set to revolutionise travel on Britain’s railways

New tech set to revolutionise travel on Britain’s railways

  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking