Specsavers’ Lakeside and Grays stores have recently installed hospital-grade equipment that can help detect treatable eye conditions sooner.

Following a recent study which revealed that an astounding 42% of people have noticed their sight deteriorate since March 2020, the store has shown an increased commitment to protecting the eye-health of locals.[1]

Both the Lakeside store in West Thurrock and the Grays store have stayed open for all eye and hearing needs throughout the pandemic.

Both teams are delighted to be able to bolster their eye care services with the introduction of Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning equipment.

OCT technology uses light to take more than 1,000 images of the back of the eye, including the retina optic nerve.

A layered image is then created to allow the optometrist to view the deeper structures of the eye in more detail than ever before, meaning sight-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma and even brain tumours, can be picked up earlier.

Jay Visrolia, Retail Director at the Specsavers Lakeside and Grays stores said:

“Despite the events of the year, I’m pleased to say we’re fortunate enough to be able to invest in the latest and best technology.

“The current circumstances are extremely difficult for everyone, so it’s even more important that we show our commitment to our customers by remaining open.

‘Our OCT installation is brilliant news as it means we are able to detect sight-threatening diseases earlier, giving us the best chance of protecting the eye health of our customers. Since its introduction, our optometrists do not want to ever work without the machines.

“It allows them to identify problems far easier, like macular issues that can be helped with simple lifestyle changes around smoking or diet, or indeed far more serious issues such as glaucoma, where early detection is critical”.

Both stores have numerous safety measures in place, including restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store, social distancing and bank card instead of cash payments, where possible. Specsavers’ colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use. Customers are also asked to request an appointment in advance.

Specsavers will also continue to offer its remote services for people who are self-isolating, vulnerable or unable to leave their home. These services include:

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

An OCT scan is in addition to a normal eye test and can be requested when booking an appointment or when going to the store.

Customers can visit the store at Unit 82 Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock RM20 2ZP, call 01708 689865 or go online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/lakeside.

Customers can visit the store at 3 The Mall, Grays Shopping Centre, Grays, Essex, RM17 6QF.

Or visit the website at: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/grays