Opticians delivering glasses to those in need

Two independent opticians are extending their services to support vulnerable people in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pullen and Symes Opticians, with practices in Exeter and Ottery St Mary, are delivering spectacles to those in need, including older members of the community and high-risk patients, who are unable to collect in-store.

Nicki and David Pullen from the practice will travel free of charge to the door of patients who cannot visit the practice in the Exeter area, even delivering contact lenses and solution to those in self isolation.

Where delivery is not possible, they will arrange to post glasses or contact lenses to a home address. The practice is also donating 10% of all patient purchases from the Project 100 spectacle range to their colleagues in the NHS.

Pullen and Symes are also maintaining their commitment to repairing existing spectacles wherever possible, or offering a replacement solution if glasses are beyond reasonable repair. For any patient who sends in their glasses, they can expect them to be delivered or posted back to their home as soon as possible.

Special attention has also been made to ensure regular disinfection of all equipment in practice, as well as door handles, frames and sunglasses to ensure there is a safe environment if a patient visits for an emergency appointment.

Optometrist Emma Hill said: “The wellbeing of our patients is our highest priority, so these measures are about ensuring the health of those in local area is maintained during this period of uncertainty.

“We hope by extending our services beyond our normal capacity it will enable our patients to follow government guidelines of staying at home, whilst retaining peace of mind in their eye health.

“Our eyes are one of our most valued assets, so it’s vitally important that we stay open and contactable for emergency appointments only and guarantee that our patients are receiving the same level of care attention, even in these extremely challenging times.”

David Pullen added: “All of our thoughts go out to those affected by COVID-19 and we hope we can continue to support our community for as long as possible.”

For more information on how Pullen and Symes Opticians can help, call the Exeter practice on 01392 257 529 or the Ottery practice on 01404 814219.

For additional information, visit: http://www.opticiansinexeter.co.uk/