Ross-shire residents concerned over eye issues experienced during coronavirus lockdown urged to book appointment
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A SURGE in the number of people reporting eye issues during the coronavirus lockdown could be related to spending more time looking at screens, reading or watching TV.
And while Covid-19 "presented an unprecedented challenge in the management of eye and hearing care", a boss at a retail chain with a presence in Dingwall is urging anyone with concerns to book an appointment, despite the backlog currently being faced by staff.
Specsavers stores – including a branch in Dingwall – are again providing routine eye examinations after getting approval from the Scottish Government Primary Care Directorate.
Optometrists were restricted to providing only emergency and essential care during 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.
Specsavers’ home visits teams will be also be able to restart services within the next two weeks and provide eyecare and hearing services at home for people who would not be able to visit a store without assistance.
"During lockdown many of us have been spending more time looking at screens, reading, or watching TV, which is likely to make people more aware of pre-existing sight conditions or the fact that their prescription may have changed. More screen time can also lead to eye strain and visual fatigue, which isn’t usually serious but could explain why so many people are reporting issues." - Susanne Akil, Specsavers
Specsavers’ Scottish chair, Susanne Akil, said: "With lockdown measures easing, we’ve now extended our services in line with the latest Scottish Government guidelines. This means that, for the first time since lockdown, customers are able to book routine eye and hearing tests.
"To help manage physical distancing and ensure that services are provided safely, visits to store will be by appointment only - customers can book an appointment in advance by phone or online. Stores may contact customers before they visit to ensure a safe and efficient service when they arrive.
"We would encourage anyone visiting the store to browse online for glasses before they come in, minimising their time in store, and we ask that customers wear face masks for the duration of their visit."
New hygiene and personal protection measures include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict physical distancing rules and, where possible, contactless or card instead of cash payments.
In line with NHS guidance, staff will use full personal protective equipment (PPE) and all testing equipment, hard surfaces and spectacle frames will be thoroughly sanitised after each use.
Ms Akil acknowledged: "The Covid-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge in the management of eye and hearing care. Throughout lockdown we remained open to offer customers emergency and essential care. However, being unable to perform routine eye tests has meant that many people could be living with serious conditions which could have been identified if we had been able to see them.
A survey from Specsavers revealed that a third of people in the UK noticed a deterioration in their vison during lockdown.
She added: "During lockdown many of us have been spending more time looking at screens, reading, or watching TV, which is likely to make people more aware of pre-existing sight conditions or the fact that their prescription may have changed. More screen time can also lead to eye strain and visual fatigue, which isn’t usually serious but could explain why so many people are reporting issues."
She added: "We would ask customers to be patient with us as we welcome them back.The guidelines are designed to keep customers and colleagues safe and will mean fewer people are allowed in stores, and maintaining high levels of cleanliness may mean some examinations take a little longer.
"But we want to encourage anyone with needs or symptoms who have 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 Scotland. There are already waiting lists of customers who requested routine appointments during lockdown and could not be seen, and these customers will be booked in as a priority."
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.co.uk.
For more information or to request an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk.
