Coleraine Specsavers is ‘spec’tacular now they’re back in business

Coleraine Specsavers has been able to resume eye tests, dispensing and wider optical and hearing services for those that need them.
Retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart is smiling again thanks to Coleraine SpecsaversRetired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart is smiling again thanks to Coleraine Specsavers
Retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart is smiling again thanks to Coleraine Specsavers

Store directors Lynn Mackey and Judith Ball look back at the last few months and in particular two patients - Suzanne Brown and Siobhan Quinn - they helped.

“We’re delighted to be back and to help manage social distancing we are encouraging customers to book an appointment in advance by phone or online,” store director Lynn explained.

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In line with NHS guidance, Specsavers colleagues will use personal protective equipment (PPE) and all testing equipment and frames will be thoroughly sanitised between each patient.

Coleraine Specsavers has helped retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from PortstewartColeraine Specsavers has helped retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart
Coleraine Specsavers has helped retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart

New measures will also include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in stores at any one-time, strict social distancing rules and where possible, card instead of cash payments. Colleagues will greet customers on arrival and assist them through the new processes, providing reassurance and answering any questions.

Judith said: “We can still offer assistance by video and phone through our RemoteCare service and would encourage people to phone us in the first instance and discuss options. If anyone does need to come into the store, we can assure them that we are well prepared and have procedures in place to keep both our customers and store colleagues safe.”

Recently retired radiographer Suzanne Brown from Portstewart was suffering from symptoms very similar to a retinal tear but didn’t know what was wrong with her eyesight.

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“I was playing golf towards the end of the first week when golf courses were able to re-open and noticed ‘flashes’ as well as a ‘spider’ floater in my eyes when I bent down to pick up the ball. One of my golf partners is a GP and he checked my peripheral vision which was fine but recommended getting my optician to check out my eyes. I made an appointment for Specsavers in Coleraine for the following afternoon and also decided to travel up to eye emergency in Altnagelvin that morning as I was so concerned.

“The hospital recommended going to my optician and as I’d missed my original booked appointment with Specsavers due to travelling to Derry, Sinead kindly opened up the store earlier than normal the next morning so that I could be checked out as quickly as possible.”

Patricia McMullan, an optometrist at the store, was able to confirm that Suzanne did not have a retinal tear but was instead just experiencing the visual symptoms of one and that her symptoms should soon settle down.

“Specsavers have advised me that if anything changes or deteriorates they are only a phone call away and if needed they can refer me to eye emergency. Judith, Sinead, Patricia and the team really went out of their way to accommodate me, professionally advise and reassure me and were so responsive to my worries and concerns about the flashes I was experiencing.

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“The examination really put my mind at rest and the whole experience was fully in line with social distancing and all the government guidelines – it really was phenomenal and I can’t thank the team enough.”

Civil servant Siobhan Quinn from outside Ballymoney suffers from asthma and had been self-isolating. With a work return date of May 25 Siobhan thought she should get her eyes checked as she’d been experiencing some blurred vision.

“I contacted the store on Friday, May 22 not thinking that anything was terribly wrong and explained my symptoms. I later got a phone call back to ask me to come into the store for an urgent eye test on the Saturday morning with optometrist Patricia.

“Patricia said she had detected a retinal detachment and referred me straight away to Altnagelvin’s eye emergency clinic. Things moved quickly and on Tuesday 26 May I underwent surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

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“The operation went very smoothly and I’m recovering well and have already been back twice for post-op check-ups. My consultant said to me that I have a very good optician, and I’m so grateful to Patricia for detecting the retinal tear and for setting up my eye emergency appointment so quickly.

“It’s been a challenging yet rewarding time looking after the eye and hearing health of so many of our local key workers and customers who needed emergency checks or treatment,” added Coleraine optometry director Judith.

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