Vision and hearing care right in your home

Plymouth people unable to visit their optician or audiologist can now get a home visit.

Throughout the pandemic, many in and around the city have missed out on essential audiology and eye-health services, so the Specsavers store has launched a home-visiting service to ensure that everyone can receive tests, treatment and help with their glasses and hearing aids.

A similar service has been provided by Specsavers in the past, but this is the first time a store has run such a service itself – available to people living anywhere between PL1 to PL21.

Dr Josie Forte, the store’s director, says: ‘We are really leading the way in the UK with this dual service of eye and hearing health for the Plymouth community.

‘With any new service, awareness can be quite low, so we are keen to spread the word to those customers in need, as well as relatives seeking care for a loved one who can no longer get into our stores due to physical or mental health concerns or reduced mobility.’

Dr Forte is keen to stress that colleagues visiting a home setting are very experienced in carrying out eye and hearing tests and are sensitive to people’s specific needs.

She adds: ‘Safety will also remain a number-one priority and all colleagues will continue to wear the appropriate PPE when visiting people’s homes.’

Among those to have benefited from the service is 77-year-old Antony Williams, who lives in Torpoint.

He is disabled with a heart problem and arthritis in both his knees, and his wife also has arthritis, so it is difficult for them to get out.

Mr Williams said: ‘I was beginning to struggle with my old glasses, and we wouldn’t have been able to get to the opticians because of our disabilities, so I was really glad that they could come to me.

‘The optician came out to test my eyes and then another lady came out to fit the glasses. They were both so helpful and caring, and they had on protective clothing so I felt very safe.

‘I would definitely recommend the service to other people. No-one should struggle with their sight just because they can’t get out. We’re lucky to have this service in Plymouth. It will be a lifeline for many local people.’

In addition to visiting people’s homes, Specsavers Home Visits service has expanded to include care homes and sheltered accommodation.

For more information or to request a home visit appointment, call 01752 253434 or visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests