THE Deputy Mayor of Kingston and the Deputy Mayoress got a close look at a refurbished opticians store after it invested a quarter of a million pounds in services for the community.
Specsavers Kingston upon Thames, which has been providing optical and hearing care to residents, businesses and commuters for the last 29 years, has installed a new digital screen, updated, stylised LED frame displays, in-store lighting and wall mounts and enhanced floor space, providing a more streamlined customer experience.
Ahead of cutting the Specsavers green ribbon, Cllr Elizabeth Park accompanied by the Deputy Mayoress, Miss Angelina Kim, were given a tour of the store by retail director Guy Loveday. He then introduced the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress to optometrist director Paul Bhalla and the rest of the store team.
Local children’s charity Momentum, which supports families whose children are facing cancer or life-challenging conditions, also supported the re-launch. Tara Sherjan, Head of Public Fundraising, and Victoria Futcher, Corporate Fundraising Manager, discussed various initiatives and projects with customers and guests.
Commenting on the day’s event, Tara said: ‘We were thrilled to be part of the relaunch day. Specsavers Kingston has supported Momentum Children’s Charity for several years, and we are excited to continue our wonderful partnership.’
VIP guests included Chris Simmons, Senior Business Development Manager, and Katie Greasley, Business Development Manager from the Myopia Management team at leading contact lens organisation CooperVision. They talked to customers about various contact lens options and provided product samples.
Guy Loveday said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Kingston today, plus Momentum Children’s Charity and guests, including Chris and Katie, as we celebrate the re-launch of our newly modernised practice.
‘The recent investment means that we can offer customers more clinics, a wider range of frames from budget to designer, and deliver an even higher standard of clinical care.’
Following her official civic duties, Cllr Park was given a sight test by Paul Bhalla.
This included an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) 3D scan, which is advanced diagnostic, eye-scanning equipment that helps detect serious eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, up to four years earlier than traditional methods and currently costs just £5.
Paul said: ‘It’s wonderful that the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress can celebrate with us today. We have a great team of experts here in Kingston, and we are very proud of the high levels of service provided to our customers, many of whom have been visiting us for many years.
‘The upgrade to the practice ensures that we can offer everyone the very latest diagnostic hospital grade testing equipment. We also work closely with the eye hospital at Kingston, and local GP practices, so as a team we strive to deliver the very best service.’
The team at Specsavers Kingston offers residents minor eye care services, including cataract and glaucoma clinics. With some of the clinical team, including Paul who is also the Inner South West London Local Optical Committee Vice Chair providing enhanced services in eye care to patients such as the management of red eyes and dry eyes, flashers and floaters.
The store has seven test rooms, two audiology rooms, dedicated diagnostic testing areas and specific contact lens stations offering enhanced facilities to customers. It operates 42 sight clinics a week and 11 audiology clinics plus wax removal. Opening times are Mondays to Fridays between 9am to 6pm, Saturdays 8am to 6pm, and Sundays from 9am until 5.30pm.
During an eye test, Specsavers’ optometrists will assess your vision as well as check the overall health of your eyes, so it’s important to have regular eye tests, even if you aren’t experiencing any eye issues or symptoms.
As part of Specsavers’ mission to make eye health accessible to all, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service to those that can’t leave their homes
unaccompanied due to disability or illness. Specsavers Home Visits service covers more than 90% of the UK.
To book in for a sight or hearing test, you can contact Specsavers Kingston upon Thames on 020 8974 6677. Alternatively, you can book online at https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/kingstonuponthames
