Specsavers opens new store in North Tyneside

Gemma Forbes, optical assistant; Caitlin Hall, optical assistant; Ruth Moore, director Specsavers; Mayor Norma Redfearn; Gerard Crulley, director Specsavers; Loren Stevenson, optical consultant; Emma Scott, laboratory technician at the opening of the new Specsavers in Killingworth.

Mayor Norma Redfearn joined staff to celebrate the opening of the store at The Killingworth Centre.

The business, which has created four new full-time jobs, is run by directors Gerard (Ged) Crulley and Ruth Moore, who have nearly 30 years’ optical experience between them.

Ged said: “Ruth and I are absolutely delighted to have opened this new store and we were thrilled to welcome the Mayor as our special guest to mark this important occasion.

“The store represents a significant investment in the latest high-tech optical equipment. As well as having sight tests, customers can take advantage of free hearing tests, which are carried out at the store one day a week.”

“Here at Killingworth, customers can be sure of receiving the best possible standards of eyecare, audiology and customer service.

“Together with our enthusiastic and highly professional team, we are committed to offering a friendly local service and look forward to welcoming our new customers.”

The brand new purpose-built store spans two floors and has three optical test rooms which use Digital Precision Eyecare, a cutting edge way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses based on their prescription, vision and lifestyle needs, using imaging software on tablet devices.

The audiology facilities include two test rooms and a special soundproof booth.

The space also has a dedicated contact lens area and a high-tech digital retinal camera that helps with the early detection of conditions like glaucoma by taking a picture of the back of the eye.

Mrs Redfearn said: “It is very good to see Specsavers opening in the area and I am delighted to have been able to visit and be part of this special day.

“The store is very well equipped and delightfully presented and offers a fine addition to The Killingworth Centre.

“I welcome their investment and creation of jobs and wish them well for the future.”

The store is open seven days a week, from 8.45am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Free hearing tests are available every Monday.