Since closing at the end of March, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown and using our time at Respectacle Company to refresh the store and redecorate. We have also been busy sourcing new equipment and supplies to ensure that we are Covid-19 secure as soon as we are allowed to reopen for routine appointments.

The health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance. When we finish redecorating – and have deep cleaned the store throughout – we will be putting new measures in place in guidance with the government and our governing bodies guide lines. These necessary measures are to protect both our staff and customers.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been working with some fabulous local Market Harborough businesses that have diversified quickly in response to the pandemic, making use of some essential products to help us move forward. We’ve sourced anti-bacterial hand sanitiser from Union Distillers, face masks from Vanelli Cycling and face shields from Maris Clothing Company.

Once we return to routine examinations here are some of the measures we will have in place:

Working safely during coronavirus

We will be extending appointment times to reduce the number of people within the store at any one time. We have also installed appropriate signage to ensure people remain 2 meters apart from each other where possible. During the consultation the optometrist will be wearing the appropriate PPE, which includes a face mask, gloves and apron. PPE will be disposed of in accordance with the government guidelines.

All patients will be pre screened via telephone prior to their appointment to ensure they don’t have any Covid-19 symptoms. Upon arrival, we will be taking everyone’s temperature and again check they don’t have any flu like symptoms or have been in contact with anyone showing signs of Covid-19. Everyone entering the premises will also be asked to sanitise their hands and given a face mask to wear for the duration of their appointment. Should you need to try on any spectacle frames, these will be quarantined and sterilised using a UV system.

In addition, each member of staff will be screened daily for symptoms including temperature checks.

All of our equipment and surfaces including door handles, tables, chairs and work tops will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between each patient. And last but not least, all of our staff have been instructed to wash their hands regularly.

Open for emergency eye care

We want to reassure all of our customers that we are putting everything in place to ensure that our store is completely Covid-19 secure in accordance with the current government guidance. Although we have no official word yet on when we will be allowed to reopen the store, we continue to be open for urgent eye care, emergency dispenses and repairs.

Until we can reopen to the public, if you have any urgent issues, please call us on 01858 433 577 and we will do everything we can to help, including ordering contact lenses, carrying out repairs or posting supplements and eye health lubricants. Alternatively, we can be reached by sending an email to hello@respectaclecompany.co.uk.