The extensive £60million plan to reinvigorate the Granite Mile and the new Aberdeen Market won’t stop the locally owned Specsavers.
Specsavers Aberdeen have announced there will be minimal effect on its clinical services offered in the city, with most forms of access to the store remaining open.
With the store averaging over 400 triage (’red-eye’) appointments per month over and above routine eye tests, keeping access open to the store during these works is essential to ensure consistent care for the local community.
In recent times the store has had several staff gain Independent Prescriber (IPs) qualifications. This qualification allows optometrists to clinically assess a patient, diagnose them, decide on treatment, and write an NHS prescription where necessary – all without the patient having to visit a doctor, easing the pressure on local GP services.
The store currently has three trained IPs, another awaiting exam results, and a further four booked in for the next course cohort.
The specialty course is facilitated by Glasgow Caledonian University, one of only a handful of educational institutions to offer this opportunity in the UK.
Laura Campbell, Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers Aberdeen
Right now, locals can still get the bus or train to within a five-minute walk of the store, can access public parking at the Bon Accord Centre and NCP Shiprow, get a taxi to the front door, or can be dropped off by friends or family on Flourmill Lane at M&S’ side entrance.
Laura Campbell, Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers Aberdeen says: ‘Everyone should have access to eye care from community optometrists, which offer early diagnosis and access to treatment, and that is what we will continue to do.
‘We also offer a Home Visits service for those unable to visit a store, proudly supporting the NHS and play our part in caring for the North-east’s eye and ear health.
‘We are here for everyone, and we haven’t seen them all yet.’
In September last year the store relaunched after 10 weeks’ work worth £300,000 to guarantee the highest quality clinical facilities. The substantial work means enhanced testing diagnostics such as Optical Coherence Topography (OCT) scanning, upgraded emergency eyecare provision, and a significant increase in the capacity for audiology services including the new wax removal service are now all available in store.
To find out more about the store, visit specsavers.co.uk/stores/Aberdeen or call 01224 641234 to speak to a member of the team. The store is located 56-58 Union Street, AB10 1BB.
To find out if you or a loved one are eligible for a home visit, check out: specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/eligibility.