Haywards Heath retailer reopens with new safety measures

Specsavers in Haywards Heath has reopened for routine testing.
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A full range of optical services are now available at the South Road store seven days a week, including routine eye tests, frame repairs and the sale of glasses.

And opening hours have been extended so early and later appointments are available each day.

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In line with NHS guidance, the team are using personal protective equipment (PPE) and all testing equipment and frames will be thoroughly sanitised after each use.

Specsavers in Haywards Heath. Picture: Beattie GroupSpecsavers in Haywards Heath. Picture: Beattie Group
Specsavers in Haywards Heath. Picture: Beattie Group

New hygiene and personal protection measures to help keep people safe include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, cards instead of cash payments.

The retailer had been operating an urgent and essential care only service since lockdown began in March. This included a number of same day referrals where sight-threatening conditions were identified, and also visits by both ophthalmic director Hanora Murphy and retail director Jay Spiller to doorsteps to repair broken glasses.

Hanora said: “We are glad to have been able to help many of our customers during lockdown, and also many other local people whose usual optician had closed for the duration for whatever reason.

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“We were particularly glad to be able to help a number of local people who couldn’t make it into the store by going to them – socially distanced of course – and are keen to keep this up where we can, especially as many people either continue to shield or are nervous to return to town.

Specsavers in Haywards Heath is now open for routine testing. Picture: Beattie GroupSpecsavers in Haywards Heath is now open for routine testing. Picture: Beattie Group
Specsavers in Haywards Heath is now open for routine testing. Picture: Beattie Group

“The guidelines designed to keep customers and colleagues safe will mean fewer people allowed in our store at one time for now, and maintaining high levels of cleanliness may mean testing takes a little longer.

“But we want to encourage anyone who has missed their usual sight or hearing test during lockdown to book an appointment, so that we can check all is well with their senses as soon as possible.”

Specsavers has also introduced a new in-store role to reassure customers who may feel apprehensive about visiting the opticians after lockdown. The Customer Care Guide will greet customers on arrival and assist them through the new testing process, providing reassurance and answering any questions.