Specsavers stores in Northern have invested £1m in new scanning equipment which can help detect treatable eye conditions sooner, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
These OCT (optical coherence tomography) machines are now operational in 14 stores across the country. The remaining nine Specsavers stores are expected to have the machinery installed by the end of the year.
An OCT scan allows an optician to look deeper into the eyes than ever before, and it can help to detect glaucoma up to four years in advance. Nearly half of all sight loss is preventable, according to a report from Specsavers and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). An OCT scan thus means conditions can be managed before they get worse and can help prevent potential sight loss.
Jill Campbell is Head of Enhanced Optical Services and Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers in Lisburn. She said: “This investment gives our store teams the ability to enhance services to our local communities by helping to detect and manage conditions, with a level of diagnostic capability which previously would have needed a hospital visit.
“This week is National Eye Health Week which focusses on the importance of getting regular eye tests as an eye examination can detect general health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension as well as conditions such as glaucoma which impact on eyesight.
“Our OCT scans are in addition to a normal eye test, and a customer’s OCT images will be stored so that changes over time can be noted which is an important benefit to the monitoring of someone’s overall eye health.”
Derry/Londonderry store directors Sean McCauley and Maeve Walsh opened a new store at Derry’s Crescent Link retail park in June 2019, bringing the total number of Specsavers stores in Northern Ireland to 23. All stores provide both optical and audiology services.
