Optician told me I had killed innocent people, claims veteran

A WAR veteran who went to Specsavers for an eye test was told by the optician that he had “invaded countries around the world and killed innocent people”.

Steve Leale, 54, asked for his medical notes to state specifically that he was a former serviceman in order to get a faster hospital appointment under an NHS service leavers’ provision.

But the exwarrant Officer Class 2 claimed he was left “gobsmacked” and “totally disgusted” when the optician made the slur about his Army service.

The incident allegedly happened on Feb 15 in Woodbridge, Suffolk, and Specsavers said the optician had since been suspended.

Mr Leale said he initially had “a pleasant conversation” with another member of staff who helped put his wife at ease. But when his appointment finished and he was told he was to be referred to hospital, Mr Leale asked for his paperwork to state he was a veteran.

The optician expressed surprise that he could access improved care, and allegedly said: “What, for invading coun

‘I did my duty on behalf of all British citizens, no matter what ethnicity, background or belief ’

tries around the world and killing innocent people?”

Mr Leale, a member of the Royal Hampshire Regiment and Adjutant General’s Corps who has served in Iraq, Northern Ireland and the Balkans, said he was dumbfounded by the comment and complained.

“I am very proud to have served my country for over 32 years. I did my duty on behalf of all British citizens, no mat ter what ethnicity, background or belief,” he said.

A Specsavers spokesman said: “An employee has been suspended pending a disciplinary investigation into comments made to a customer at the Woodbridge store.

“The alleged comments do not represent the views of Specsavers, who are active supporters of Blind Veterans UK, a charity which cares for former military personnel with sight problems.”

The NHS website states: “All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care for conditions associated with their time within the Armed Forces.

“But this is always subject to clinical need and doesn’t entitle you to jump the queue ahead of someone with a higher clinical need.

“If the NHS service you’re dealing with is unaware of priority treatment, you’re actively encouraged to tell them about it and ensure you have told them you have served.”