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Optician business reaches out to elderly and vulnerable


By David G Scott

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An optician chain with a branch in Wick has launched a new service for its older customers at home.

Specsavers, in partnership with Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), is making "community care calls" to vulnerable people who may have missed sight or hearing tests during lockdown.

The company also offers a friendly voice to those struggling with loneliness through confinement.

In the event further care is needed, its staff can arrange a follow-up call via Specsavers RemoteCare – a new video and telephone consultancy service.

Staff at Specsavers in Wick are reaching out to the elderly and vulnerable within the community. Picture: DGS
Staff at Specsavers in Wick are reaching out to the elderly and vulnerable within the community. Picture: DGS

Sam Ward, director of services and deputy chief executive of RVS said: "At home consultations are set to be the norm for the foreseeable future, so services like care calls and RemoteCare, where customers can speak to an expert directly, will be essential.

"Many older people are missing human interaction and something as simple as a friendly phone call or receiving some cheerful post can really make someone’s day."

Specsavers is also sending out postcards to older customers who are unable to leave their homes with contact details of key charity support groups.

The front of the postcard Specsavers sent out created by nine-year-old Jazmine Hodding.
The front of the postcard Specsavers sent out created by nine-year-old Jazmine Hodding.

Specsavers is one of a number of organisations that are fast-tracking changes to their services to respond to the evolving needs of customers during the pandemic.

As well as community care calls, in recent weeks it has launched Specsavers Ask The Expert Facebook group, providing online advice from a team of opticians and audiologists.

Its RemoteCare service has been developed in line with NHS recommendations on remote consultation.

It is open to everyone – whether or not a Specsavers customer – and can be accessed from any digital device.

For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk or call Specsavers Wick on 01955 609939.


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