SPECSAVERS Kilburn located in Kilburn High Road has recently undergone a complete store refurbishment, following a significant investment into the business totalling around £500,000, this also includes the launch of a new Audiology Hearcare Centre, led by Shreeya Patel.
On Monday 1st November 2021 the store was officially opened by Carina Hummel, General Manager of Specsavers Hearcare, Alan Connelly, Head of Partner Engagement and Matt Morris, Regional Relationship Manager who were met by Specsavers Kilburn Retail Director, Robin Gurton-Vernieux, Ophthalmic Director, Parus Pindoria, Audiology Partner, Shreeya Patel and Store Manager, Robert Volson for a tour of the store and the hearcare centre.
Specsavers Kilburn has now expanded its patient testing rooms from 5 to 7, providing customers with the very latest state of the art testing room equipment, along with newly updated, pre-room testing diagnostic equipment. Customers can also choose to have an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) 3D scan, which is hospital-grade, advanced diagnostic, eye scanning equipment that helps detect several eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. It can detect eye conditions up to four years ahead of them presenting via a standard eye test.
The OCT scan uses light to take more than 1,000 images of the back of the eye and beyond, looking at the optic nerve and creating a cross-sectional view. The optometrist can then store the customer’s OCT images and monitor for any changes over time, which is a real benefit to someone’s overall eye health.
The launch of the new Audiology Hearcare Centre, will offer customers a dedicated test room, equipped with the latest sound proof technology and clinical audiology services equipment.
Hearcare testing clinics will be available 7 days a week, so those people who are not able to attend during the week, can now book appointments for hearing tests at the weekend too. Specsavers are keen to screen those customers aged over 50 for hearing concerns and problems.
Clinical services offered include a full 15 minute hearing screener test, used to identify that the hearing is within the acceptable range, and a full one hour hearing test which produces a very accurate audiogram, to then potentially dispense hearing aids.
The store offers a wide selection of hearing aids, a dedicated aftercare service and wax removal, and is fully supporting both private and NHS patients who have concerns with their hearing. It also provides options for a range of hearing protection aids which are available for activities such as swimming, music, work, cycling or sleep plugs.
The store expansion and increased number of clinics and weekend hours means new career opportunities have been created for existing members of staff and for new recruits. Recently the directors have taken on two new pre-registration optometrists, an undergraduate optometrist who is on their year out from City University, and three other members of staff who will be working in support roles, including clinical diagnostic and dispensing roles.
The directors are passionate about mentoring and training their staff, and assisting with career progression. The Specsavers career pathway provides a wide range of roles, with training, industry recognised qualifications and on the job development.
Specsavers Kilburn Retail Director, Robin Gurton-Vernieux said; ‘We are thrilled to offer our customers increased clinics, plus a wider range of services, including our brand new state of the art hearcare centre. The new store layout will also enhance the customer experience, now that there are more dispensing desks and the upgraded diagnostic equipment will provide an enhanced eye and hearing examination.’
Mr Gurton-Vernieux continued; ‘As a company, Specsavers offer a diverse array of career pathways for all colleagues so they can fulfil their potential and career aspirations. Both myself and my co-director, Parus are fully committed to empowering and growing our staff capability. We are also really keen to encourage staff to take up the offer of any study and qualifications that will help them to progress. We are investing not only in our store, but our team, and supporting them in clinical progression and becoming future partners. We look forward to welcoming our loyal community of customers to the store and to those new customers too.’
Specsavers Kilburn Ophthalmic Director, Parus Pindoria said: The importance of going to the optician is more than just having an eye test for new spectacles, it is a thorough examination of the overall eye health, and the tests we conduct can also provide information relating to other health conditions. On rare occasions, diseases or a life-threatening medical condition, can be picked up during a routine eye test, so eye examinations are an essential part of your regular health checks. The OCT technology is a prime example of this to better manage our customers eye health, and ensure we act fast to pick up these early changes, before they become sight threatening.
Mr Pindoria continued; ‘We are delighted that Shreeya Patel, is joining the team as our new Audiology Partner. It will make a tremendous difference to be able to offer our customers hearcare screening at the store, and also full hearing tests, as it’s equally as important to have a hearing test as it is an eye test, as hearing loss can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying condition, such as the onset of dementia.’
Specsavers Kilburn also offer those customers who are unable to leave home unaccompanied can request a home visit from Specsavers or use the RemoteCare video and phone consultation service instead. For non-urgent inquiries, the ‘Ask The Expert’ Facebook page helps with any eye strain resulting in headaches, eye twitches, and migraines that people may be suffering from, especially during the lockdown.
‘Ask The Expert’ is an innovative service, manned by optometrists who can answer questions relating to everyday eye care or recommend booking an appointment as necessary. Such is the uplift in enquiries in recent weeks, more optometrists are being recruited to meet demand.
