Specsavers confirms opticians are allowed to remain open during lockdown 2

Preston 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 is urging 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 will continue to keep their doors open to the public and offer a full breadth of services to the local community, including:

Comprehensive eye examinations
Hearing tests and hearing consultations
Home eye examinations for people with a physical or mental disability who are unable to leave their home
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

The latest news updates in your area can be seen below

Specsavers will also continue to offer its remote services for people who are self-isolating, vulnerable or unable to leave their home.

Clinical services director, Giles Edmonds, says: “We understand the concern customers 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.”

Stores in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland currently remain open for all eye and hearing needs. Specsavers will adhere to each country’s industry guidance if and when changes to local rules are made.

What do you think about Specsavers staying open? Let us know in the comments below