Clear vision to help the elderly during lockdown

IAN BUNTING

A Monklands opticians is eyeing up helping the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown.

Specsavers, in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service, has launched a service for its older customers at home.

Community care calls are being made to thousands of vulnerable people who may have missed sight or hearing tests during lockdown – as well as offering a friendly voice to those struggling with loneliness through confinement.

In the event further care is needed, colleagues can arrange a follow-up call via Specsavers RemoteCare, a video and telephone consultancy service.

Sam Ward, director of services and deputy CEO of the Royal Voluntary Service, said: “At home consultations are set to be the norm for the foreseeable future, so services like care calls and RemoteCare, where customers can speak to an expert directly, will be essential.

“Care calls go beyond simply identifying a wider sight or hearing need.

“Many older people are missing human interaction and something as simple as a friendly call or receiving some cheerful post can really make someone’s day.”

Specsavers – who have shops in Airdrie and Coatbridge – is also sending out thousands of postcards to older customers who may be unable to leave their homes, which include contact details of key charity support groups such as the Royal Voluntary Service, who are co-ordinating the NHS Volunteer Responders group.

As well as community care calls, in recent weeks the chain has launched the Specsavers Ask The Expert Facebook group, providing online advice from a team of opticians and audiologists.

Its RemoteCare ser vice has been developed in line with NHS recommendations on remote consultation.

It is open to everyone, whether they are currently a Specsavers customer or not, and can be accessed from any digital device.

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, said: “With our stores currently only able to offer urgent and essential care to a limited number of customers, we have been exploring innovative alternatives to in- person appointments.

“This is clearly significant given the present restrictions, but it is a service that we plan to continue for the long-term to ensure that everyone, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, can access the care and support that they need.”

For more information on eye and hearing health, visit specsavers.co.uk.

Caring crew Some of Specsavers’ staff from their Monklands shops