RETIRED Butcher and Specsavers customer, Brian Brassington is delighted that he was able to have his bi-annual eye test in the comfort of this own home. In his late 70’s, Mr Brassington isn’t quite as mobile as he used to be, relying on a mobility scooter to get around as a result of a respiratory condition that affects his breathing, so it was incredibly helpful to have Specsavers visit him.
Not realising that his eye sight had deteriorated since his last eye test, Mr Brassington revealed that he was playing pool with his son one night, when it became apparent that he wasn’t able to see a couple of the balls so well, in fact his son commented that he should go to Specsavers and get his eyes tested!
Fortunately Specsavers provide a domiciliary care service for those people who are unable to attend the store in person. This is an NHS service especially tailored for those people who cannot leave home unaccompanied, due to self-isolating, a physical or mental illness or disability.
A keen model boat builder for over 20 years, Mr Brassington enjoys building replica historical, wooden model ships in his spare time. Model making is incredibly intricate and detailed, sometimes taking over 2 hours to work on certain aspects of the ship, such as the mast, shaping the sail and ensuring the eyelets are all in the correct place. So having the correct prescription lenses is critical to Mr Brassington being able to enjoy this passion.
Currently he is building a replica of the ‘Essex’ a whaling vessel that was attacked by a sperm whale, causing the ship to sink, along with most of the crew, and which became the inspiration for the novel, ‘Moby Dick’ written by Herman Melville, published in 1851 in London.

Mr Brassington said; ‘I love building the historical model ships, even though it is incredibly detailed, I find it very rewarding. It will take me many hours to re-create the ‘Essex’ as there is such a lot of attention to detail, including affixing the ships brass fittings, installing the rudder, mast and sails, plus it will need to be varnished with several coats to give it the perfect finish.’
Preetam Meghani, Ophthalmic Director, London Domiciliary Partner said; ‘We are so pleased that our Home Visits team are able to meet with patients and customers in their own homes, this is much more convenient and relaxing for them too. Eye tests are incredibly important, as they can show the general health condition of the individual, and can also reveal potential underlying health issues, so keeping that appointment is key.’

The Specsavers Home Visits team is working in line with Government guidance across the community and is also able to offer the following services to those people unable to visit their local store:
RemoteCare – a free nationwide consultation service offering advice and care via video and telephone link
Ask The Expert – a Facebook group designed to give people access to professionals seven days a week, who can answer questions about general eye and hearing health concerns
Remote tuning – Fine tuning compatible hearing aids from afar without customers needing to come into store
An e-commerce service – so that glasses and contact lenses can be bought online with a current prescription for those who can’t attend a store
An online replacement service – for lost or broken glasses
It is important that people attend their appointments to ensure that their eye, hearing and overall health is not at risk during this time. Customers can be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our customers and colleagues is paramount and, in line with NHS recommendations and Public Health guidance, we have numerous safety measures in place.

Specsavers’ staff use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores and for home visits. With frames being thoroughly sanitised before and after each use. It is important that people attend their appointments to ensure that their eye, hearing and overall health is not at risk during this time.