SPECSAVERS stores in Bradford have reopened 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.
All Specsavers’ stores in England are reopening for routine tests today, including its sites at The Broadway, idle and Girlington.
Giles Edmonds, Specsavers clinical services director, said: “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.”
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.
Mr Edmonds added: “We would ask customers to be patient with us as we welcome them back.
“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’ official website.
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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here