FOLLOWING an investment of £50,000, Specsavers store partners celebrated the launch of their new audiology hub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Deputy Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Yogesh Teli.
Locally owned and run, Specsavers South Harrow has been part of the community for over 20 years, representing a beacon of healthcare provision on the high street. The new dedicated hearing hub offers a soundproof booth and testing room for customers to have their hearing checked, coupled with the latest micro-suction equipment for wax removal.
Welcoming the Deputy Mayor to the new centre were store directors Hiral Kotecha, who is an ophthalmic optician, and Alok Kotecha, retail director, who says: ‘We’re thrilled that Cllr Teli can join us today and officially launch the new audiology hub.
‘It means a lot to us to be able to offer further healthcare services to the South Harrow community. Our audiology team will carry out full private and NHS assessments, which will help to alleviate pressure on the NHS.’
At the helm of the hearing hub is newly appointed partner in development, audiologist Hajbar Ebrhimgeel, who brings a wealth of expertise to the South Harrow store. Hajbar adds: ‘I’m delighted to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to providing audiology care across the South Harrow community, including offering customers hearing consultations and guidance around hearing accessories.’
Also supporting the launch and raising awareness of the importance of hear care were other VIP guests, including Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity ambassador Louise Halvey and her cocker spaniel Flora.
Louise chatted to customers about the charity, which trains puppies to alert people who are deaf to important daily and life-saving sounds that they might otherwise miss, like a doorbell, alarm clock and even danger signals such as a fire alarm. The charity also helps deaf people to reconnect with life and leave loneliness behind, as life without sound can be very isolating.
Following the official launch, the Deputy Mayor was given a tour of the newly installed audiology hub and was introduced to the team and guests. Customers received tasty treats and goody bags.
Specsavers South Harrow customers can also benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). The technology allows optometrists to take a 3D image of the back of the eye to help spot serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, up to four years earlier than traditional methods.
The store has three test rooms, dedicated diagnostic testing areas and a specific contact lens station offering enhanced facilities to customers. The store operates daily sight test clinics, with audiology clinics being held Sunday to Thursday. Opening times are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6.30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and on Sunday,10am-5.30pm.
Specsavers recommend that adults and children should have an eye test at least every two years, or more often if advised by their optician. The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for anyone who qualifies, including those over 60 who also qualify for free hearing checks. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS funded eye test.
To book in for an eye test or hearing check, you can contact Specsavers South Harrow on 020 8869 0301. Alternatively, you can book online https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/southharrow
