Kenmore visit is saved by optician

An Edinburgh optician staff member travelled 156 miles to Highland Perthshire and back to save a couple’s 30th wedding anniversary.

Fifty-three-year-old butcher John Saunderson was staying in Kenmore with his wife and family.

But the celebrations were threatened when John lost his glasses on the eve of his anniversary, while paddle boarding on Loch Tay.

John soon realised that the happy couple would be unable take part in their planned activities - or drive home - without his spectacles.

As a long-time glasses wearer, John phoned his regular optician at Specsavers Gyle for advice.

On hearing his predicament, the store took it upon themselves to hand deliver replacement glasses to the worried couple at the hotel where they were staying.

The 156-mile round trip took trainee dispensing optician, Kaylie Tester, more than four hours to complete.

John said:“I lost my balance, my paddle went up in the air and I went into the water.

“During the tumble and the immediate shock of hitting the freezing cold water of the loch, I soon realised my glasses were no longer on my head and I was unable to retrieve them due to the depth of the water and being hindered by the life jacket I was wearing.

“Sophie, the stores optical assistant, was very understanding over the phone and explained that the store would be able to arrange replacement glasses for me within an hour and have them delivered direct.

“I couldn’t believe that they were willing to travel that distance to make sure I got replacement glasses.

“Those replacement frames allowed me to enjoy the rest of our staycation – without them I couldn’t see distances beyond six feet.

“After that I kept to long walks with the dog. If I every attempt paddle boarding again then I’ll be sure to get contact lenses from Specsavers.”