Essential eye tests open up in England to deal with lockdown sight deterioration - here's how to book

(Photo: Shutterstock)(Photo: Shutterstock)
(Photo: Shutterstock)

Specsavers has announced it is now taking appointments for customers who have experienced changes to their vision since their last eye test.

From 1 June, customers have been able to book in-store appointments, welcome news as research revealed a third of people in the UK have noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during lockdown.

Customers booking an appointment online will be contacted by their local store by phone to discuss their sight concerns, and to make sure that coming in to store is the best option.

The chain is currently unable to see customers who have not experienced changes to their vision.

The announcement of Specsavers taking appointments applies to England only; for the rest of the UK, appointments are for urgent and essential care only.

Here's everything you need to know:

Will social distancing be in place?

While lockdown measures may be easing slowly, it's still incredibly important that social distancing is adhered to.

As such, Specsavers is introducing a number of changes to the way it works in an effort to make sure it’s always as safe as possible for colleagues and customers.

The number of people in store will be limited, with one member of a household permitted inside at a time - unless they're with a child or vulnerable adult.

You'll also be asked to keep at least two metres from other customers.

Store teams will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for their protection as well as yours.

You’ll be welcome to try on as many glasses as you’d like, but when you're finished you'll be asked to give them back to staff so they can be cleaned thoroughly.

Test rooms will also be thoroughly disinfected following consultations, as well as all testing equipment used during the eye test, ready for the next appointment.

Specsavers is also avoiding the use of cash, and any new pairs of glasses you buy can be delivered to your home, eliminating the need to come back to the store.

For more information, head to Specsavers' website

What if I can't make it to a store?

If you're unable to make it to a store, there are still ways in which Specsavers can help.

The chain's new RemoteCare service allows you to speak to an expert by video or over the phone about any sight or hearing questions you have.

It’s free to use and you don’t need to be a Specsavers customer to use it.

Contact lens top-ups, hearing aid batteries and even new specs can also be bought online.

Specsavers say: "If you’ve got an appointment booked, but you’re not feeling well or you have any COVID-19 symptoms, we’d ask that you don’t come in until you’re feeling better.

"We’ll make sure to arrange for a later date."

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