A Mansfield opticians, which has suspended all routine testing, is still open to help those who need urgent or essential eye care, including key workers.

The team at Specsavers on West Gate are focusing their efforts on helping those who need vital eye and hearing care during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In just one example of the work they are doing, store director Imogen Hoyle (pictured) explains how she helped a nurse adapt her eye care to manage in her new working conditions.

“An intensive care nurse got in touch through social media. Her glasses were permanently steaming up under her PPE and her contact lenses were irritating her eyes. We talked through some options and were able to send her a new pair of glasses that would stand up to use with PPE,” said Imogen.

“We also talked about the extreme pressures she and her colleagues are under. It really brought this crisis home to me. I’m pleased I could help her. Her lovely feedback has made us smile.”

The nurse said: “I received brilliant customer service from Specsavers Mansfield in my time of need. Unfortunately, some of the PPE I use at work caused my glasses to bend and the lens to come out.

“The Mansfield Specsavers team came to the rescue and were able to send me a replacement pair using a new home delivery service, extremely quickly and efficiently.

“Absolutely brilliant customer service and so thoughtful helping me out, enabling me to do my job without the stress and worry of needing to get into a store in between my night shifts. Thanks again Specsavers, you’re amazing.”

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

Customers can phone the store on 01623 650273 for advice and to be assessed on the level of care that they might need. Glasses and contact lenses can also be purchased online for customers with a current prescription.

Specsavers has set up an Ask the Expert group on Facebook for people to ask our team of expert optometrists and audiologists questions they might have about their sight or hearing while stores are open for urgent and essential appointments only. The group can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpecsaversAskTheExpert/?fref=nf