Burnley opticians to remain open despite tighter restrictions

While some businesses have been forced to close in other areas under the new restrictions, Specsavers’ opticians and audiologists will remain open to provide essential health care services.

This means that Specsavers stores will continue to welcome the public, offering a full breadth of services to the local community. This includes eye and hearing tests, contact lens consultations, frame repairs and the sale of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other products.

In response to the pandemic, Specsavers has also introduced a number of ways to access them without leaving home, including RemoteCare - a free nationwide consultation service offering advice and care via video and telephone link. Glasses and contact lenses can also be bought online with a current prescription through the new e-commerce service.

Claire Watters, store director for Specsavers Burnley, said: "As an essential health service, we have provided optical and hearing care to people across our community throughout the pandemic and we are proud to be in a position to continue to do so.

"Guaranteeing the safety and wellbeing of our customers and our colleagues is our main priority, so we have adapted our ways of working and are adhering to strict government guidelines."

These include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one-time, social distancing, and bank card instead of cash payments, where possible.

Keeping in line with HSE recommendations, Specsavers staff use personal protective equipment, wear face masks and gloves during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Customers are also asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online through the Specsavers website to help manage social distancing and minimize time spent in store.

Claire added: "We understand the concern people in the community have as our lockdown tier could change, but we want to reassure them that it is safe to go ahead and book an appointment, or come in as scheduled, to ensure their eye or hearing health continues to remain a top priority."