Specsavers responds to social media video

Spescavers has responded to complaints after a video posted by a Specsavers practice staff member appeared to show its store being open for routine sight testing in contravention of current NHS England (NHSE) guidelines.

Giles Edmonds, Specsavers clinical services director, told DO Online: “The mandate given to our partners in England is very clear – to stringently adhere to all the current NHS England and professional guidelines. No patient can be seen without a full triage to determine in the store professional’s judgement whether they can be seen under the definition of essential care.

“The video that has appeared on social media featuring an individual Specsavers colleague does not represent the overall company’s view, and is disappointing as it appears misleading about the intention and motivation of our thousands of committed professionals across the nation.”

After the General Optical (GOC) was alerted to the video, it responded: “We have received several complaints about a video of a Specsavers store, which suggests they are carrying out routine sight tests. Our fitness to practise team is considering this matter in line with our rules and legislation. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.”

ABDO head of policy, Debbie McGill, said: “Currently, optical practices have been advised to provide only essential/urgent/emergency eyecare. ABDO is continuing discussions with the Association of Optometrists, Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians and NHS England to make sure patients’ eye health care needs are met as lockdown is eased.”

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