Alnwick optician delivers spectacles to nearly 90 homes in one week

Specsavers in Bondgate is delivering glasses, contact lenses and hearing aid batteries to people across the region in a bid to support the community during a time of uncertainty and isolation.

The store has suspended all routine eye examinations, but store director, Grant Welsh, has been quick to adapt, dropping off specs to almost 90 homes in one week - including to elderly and vulnerable customers and those with a complex prescription.

Grant said: “I’ve always been here for the local community and that hasn’t changed in light of current circumstances.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has closed Specsavers stores for all but emergencies. However, I’m on hand to offer assistance in any way I can and will continue to deliver, repair and glaze glasses for those who need them urgently during this time.

“Home delivery is an option for everyone and for those who need an urgent repair, I ask that customers leave the item on their doorstep.

“I will fix and sanitise it before dropping it at their door again, in line with social distancing rules.”

Specsavers stores have suspended routine testing for the foreseeable future but urgent and essential eye care is still available for those in need – including front line staff and key workers.

Grant says: “Specsavers’ teams are classed as key workers as we provide urgent and essential eye care to those who need it. This includes supporting other key workers who couldn’t function without our help and people who would come to harm without our expertise, especially where the usual hospital services and NHS facilities are being prioritised for the fight against COVID-19.

“If you need an urgent consultation because your condition is causing you distress, or preventing you from functioning as you normally would without our help, please call the store in the first instance.

“The exception to this is key workers who are still able to walk in to our stores for immediate advice.”

To speak to a member of the team or for emergency advice, please contact Specsavers Alnwick on 01665 604424.

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