The MP for Woking spoke to the team about the NHS services provided by the locally owned and run store.
He also heard about how Specsavers is ready and able to support NHS commissioners to deliver improved access to community hearing and eye care in Surrey.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the team at Specsavers Woking and learning more about both optometry and audiology. I was pleased to get an eye test as an example of the service they provide, thankfully my eyesight was good. I very much encourage people to get their eyes tested regularly’ says Mr Forster.
‘I was particularly interested in hearing how the store would be able to deliver an urgent eye care service for minor eye injuries and illnesses – as it does elsewhere in the UK – if NHS funding were to be made available locally. These sorts of services could bring essential care closer to home for Woking residents while helping to ease the strain on NHS hospitals.’
James Sawyer, director at Specsavers Woking, says that Mr Forster’s visit was an opportunity to talk to the newly elected MP about the role of community opticians and audiologists.
‘We are proud to be part of our community,’ he says. ‘We also talked about how, as health care experts, we are ready and able to support the NHS deliver access to more consistent community eye and hearing health services.
‘Specsavers is committed to collaborating with the local integrated care board, which commissions these services, to ensure everyone in Surrey has access to the community eye and hearing health services they need.’
For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service covering more than 90% of the UK – with more details available at www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.