Specsavers pandemic precautions

Spoonie_Turtle

Has anyone had an eye test at a Specsavers recently, and if so what safety precautions were in place? 

I know each shop is probably different but I'd like an idea of what I might reasonably be able to expect when I ask about precautions at the one I usually go to.  Also there currently tends to be a difference between what a company recommends and what they actually enforce for people coming in, so anecdotal experience is useful.

[Btw this is not intended as a discussion of the merits or necessity of various precautions, but just to gather information about what's actually happening.  Thanks.]

PterionPterion

Most have restrictions as to how many people are allowed in the store at any given time, waiting areas are still socially distanced, glasses are disinfected, surfaces wiped down. 

The optometrists will wipe down the equipment after every patient and will be wearing PPE. 

Customers are advised to wear masks but a lot probably won't be for whatever reason. Aside from that I've found they have good protocols in place. 

Spoonie_Turtle

PterionPterion said:

Most have restrictions as to how many people are allowed in the store at any given time, waiting areas are still socially distanced, glasses are disinfected, surfaces wiped down. 

The optometrists will wipe down the equipment after every patient and will be wearing PPE. 

Customers are advised to wear masks but a lot probably won't be for whatever reason. Aside from that I've found they have good protocols in place. 

That is helpful to know, thank you.

MovingForwards

Asked my OH and he confirmed what was said above, his eye test was yesterday.

briskbeats

I went in April. When you try on frames, you put them into a clear box for the staff to sanitise them before they put on the display racks. These are dotted about in the frames area. If you see a pair in a box, approach the staff and they will santiise the frames for you.

kirtondm

Customers are advised to wear masks but a lot probably won't be for whatever reason.

I find most patients are wearing masks in healthcare setttings. I would not be happy if staff were not trying to enforce this and paying lip service.

I know some healthcare settings  will refuse entry if no mask

biscan25

My opthalometrist asked me to lower my mask during the assessment as the lenses on the equipment were steaming up!
Otherwise socially distanced, all staff wearing masks, waiting area seats 1m apart, only come in 5 mins before appt etc.

sillyvixen

PterionPterion said:

Customers are advised to wear masks but a lot probably won't be for whatever reason. Aside from that I've found they have good protocols in place. 

As optometry practices are healthcare settings all customers are still required to wear masks (unless medically exempt) the same as you would wear in a dr's waiting room, hospital appointment or dentist waiting room. Please don't run the gauntlet with staff unless you are medically, exempt many try to get away with mask wearing and 'remember' they are exempt after being asked 3 times to wear a mask. If you are exempt be upfront. 

There is nothing new about cleaning equipment between customers (it always happened but after the tests, now we do it in front of the customer).  Optometrists have always wiped down touch services between patients --but this is not seen.

Optometry services are trying to keep everyone safe so please do not attend if you have covid, cold or flu symptoms, if staff get Ill (even if their LFT test is negative they have to get a PCR test and wait for results) this results in cancellations of appointments and as appointments are at a premium and alot of practices have 2+ month waiting lists means we have to push people back to after Christmas. If you are Ill let us know so we can use your slot for someone with sight threatening problems!

BE KIND, we are doing the best we can --We are trying to cope with staff shortages like many other service providers!

pollypenny

It's not possible to simply walk into our local Specsavers. Someone meets you at the door and asks why you are there, whether an appointment or a specific repair etc.  

I second the care taken with pairs we try on. The optometrists themselves sit further away than previously and there are longer gaps between appointments to allow for deep cleaning.   I felt very safe. 

ceh209

pollypenny said:

It's not possible to simply walk into our local Specsavers. Someone meets you at the door and asks why you are there, whether an appointment or a specific repair etc.  

Same here, there's a doorbell and barriers outside now. I had my last test in May but the barriers etc are still there. At my test, they were insisting you wore a mask they provided, not your own

Floss

I was in my local branch last week. All staff were wearing masks, the opticians asked me to lower mine below my nose 2 or maybe 3 times while conducting the eye test (he was over at his desk) and one of the pieces of equipment he used had a perspex screen.

No concerns, and as they are a national chain albeit franchises, they have high standards & will be compliant to current guidance, so don't worry about different shops having different approaches.