A Swansea opticians has invested £600,000 in refurbishments to boost local residents’ access to sight and hearing care.

Directors at Specsavers on Kingsway have invested in two optical coherence tomography (OCT) machines – hospital-grade technology that develops a 3D scan of a patient’s eye through the use of light waves. A scan with an OCT allows an optician to look deeper into the eyes more than ever before, and it can also help to detect glaucoma up to four years in advance of a sight test without using this technology.

Robert Whiskerd, store director at Specsavers Swansea, says:

‘RNIB data shows that, shockingly, there are almost 9,000 people in Swansea suffering from preventable sight loss conditions. In many cases, early detection of symptoms means we can offer preventative treatments before it is too late.

‘Testing our customers with an OCT machine is one way we can ensure preventable sight loss conditions are detected at the earliest possible stage. Our latest investment gives our team the ability to enhance the services to the local community by helping to detect and manage conditions, with a level of diagnostic capability which previously would have needed a hospital visit.’

In addition to the investment in optical technology, the business has also opened a dedicated soundproofed audiology room to help meet the demand for its audiology services. It has also redesigned the shop floor, creating more space to display an additional 206 frame choices for its customers.

Mr Whiskerd adds:

‘Lyndsay, Philip and I took over directorship of the business in February and to deliver the improvement work within our first year at the helm was a top priority for us. We wanted to make sure anyone coming into the store would be welcomed into a modern and inviting space, so in addition to the new audiology facility and OCT machines, we’ve also upgraded the customer waiting lounge and contact lens teaching area.

‘We hope our customers and staff all benefit from the investment.’