Specsavers at Golden Island Shopping Centre remains open for all eye and hearing needs despite the country being in Level 5.
The government has recognised opticians and audiologists as providing essential healthcare services and this means that stores will continue to keep their doors open to the public and offer a full breadth of services to the local community. These include eye and hearing tests, contact lens consultations, frame repairs and the sale of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other healthcare products.
“‘This is such a difficult time for everyone and we understand that customers may have concerns about coming into store. We want to reassure them that it is safe to go ahead and book an appointment or come in as scheduled. We have various safety measures in place, including restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one-time, social distancing, and bank card instead of cash payments, where possible.
“In line with HSE 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. Customers 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,” Kerril Hickey, Specsavers optician, said.
Services available include:
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, across both optical and audiology services. These include:
RemoteCare – a free nationwide consultation service offering advice and care via video and telephone link, from the comfort of the patient’s home
Online shopping – glasses and contact lenses can be bought online with a current prescription
Remote Tuning – Fine tuning compatible hearing aids from afar without customers needing to come into store
A third of people across Ireland noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during the first lockdown, research by the retailer revealed, and with internet use doubling in 2020, increasing the risk of eye strain, Specsavers is urging customers to keep their scheduled appointments. One in ten noticed a change in their hearing.
“It is vital that people attend their appointments to ensure their eye and hearing health is not at risk during this time,’ says Mr Hickey. ‘We have adapted our ways of working so that we can remain open to serve the public’s health needs and every store is adhering to strict government guidelines to ensure customer and colleague safety remains paramount.
“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 pleased that we can continue to do so, while also playing our part in relieving some of the strain on our partners in the HSE,” Mr Hickey concluded.
To find out more information, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit www.specsavers.ie
