South Devon’s Specsavers stores will remain open for all eye care and hearing needs when the country moves back into lockdown on Thursday 5 November.
Research by the retailer showed that a third of people in the UK noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during the first lockdown, so it is urging South Devon customers to keep their scheduled appointments.
While most retailers will close under the new restrictions, the government has recognised that opticians and audiologists provide essential health care services. This means that Specsavers in South Devon will continue to offer a full breadth of services to the community including:
– Comprehensive eye examinations
– Hearing tests and hearing consultations
– Contact lens consultations
– Enhanced optical services for people experiencing any eye problems
– Frame repairs and the provision of new glasses
– Hearing aid repairs and the provision of new devices
– Purchase of vision care products, such as an anti-fog lens solution for glasses wearers through to dry-eye drops
Specsavers will also continue to offer its remote services for people who are self-isolating, vulnerable or unable to leave their home. These services include:
– RemoteCare – a free nationwide consultation service offering advice and care via video and telephone link
– Online shopping – glasses and contact lenses can be bought online with a current prescription
– Ask The Expert – a Facebook group designed to give people access to professionals seven days a week, who can answer questions about general eye and hearing health concerns
Michael Todd, who is ophthalmic partner at Teignmouth Specsavers, says: ‘We understand the concern patients have as we move back into lockdown and want to reassure them that it is safe to go ahead and book an appointment or come in as scheduled.
‘As providers of an essential health service, we have played a key role in looking after people’s eye and hearing health throughout the pandemic and are delighted that we can continue to do so, while also playing our part in relieving some of the strain on our partners in the NHS.’
Specsavers has put in place various safety measures, including restrictions on the number of patients allowed in store at any one-time, social distancing, and bank card instead of cash payments, where possible.
Michael adds: ‘We remain vigilant with our safety measures to guarantee the ongoing safety and wellbeing of our customers and our colleagues. We have adapted our ways of working so we can remain open to serve the public’s health needs and every store is adhering to strict government guidelines to ensure patient and colleague safety remains paramount.’
In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use. Patients are also asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online through the Specsavers website to help manage social distancing and minimise time spent in store.
To find out more information, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores
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