Specsavers Bandon have reopened as of Monday, May 18, after operating an emergency service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions.

New hygiene measures to ensure customers and staff remain safe at all times have been introduced, and where possible stores have also extended opening hours to accommodate their local community. 

Customers are now being asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online through the Specsavers website to help manage social distancing.

The reopening means that Specsavers Bandon can now offer a full breadth of optical and audiology services, including eye and hearing tests, contact lens consultations, frame repairs and the sale of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and other products. Customers who are unable to attend a store can still access care and support through Specsavers new RemoteCare video and telephone consultation service, while glasses and contact lenses can be bought online with a current prescription at Specsavers.ie.

Ahead of the reopening, Specsavers has introduced a series of hygiene and personal protection measures to create a safe and comfortable experience in store for customer and staff. These include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one-time, strict social distancing rules and bank card instead of cash payments, where possible. Keeping in line with HSE recommendations, Specsavers staff will use personal protective equipment (PPE) and all testing equipment and frames will be thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Specsavers store director, Marie Burke, says: ‘We are delighted that we our store has re-opened and we want to assure everyone that our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of all our customers and colleagues, both in the test rooms and in the rest of our store.

“During tests, our staff will be wearing face masks and gloves, so even though they’ll be pleased to see you, you may not be able to see their smiles but know that every measure we have taken is designed to put safety first.”

Ms Burke thanked customers for their patience and understanding during this difficult time: “When you are passionate about helping people and offering great customer experiences, it is tough to have to suspend routine tests and consultations. However, it was the right decision for us to take in order to protect our communities during the pandemic, but we were thankful to still be in a position to offer an emergency service.

“We have missed our loyal customers and are delighted to be open again, with new measures in place, to ensure our customers can visit us safely and with confidence.”

Specsavers Audiologist Liz Duffy was delighted to see the Bandon store return to business as usual and praised their colleagues for the emergency care they provided during the restrictions.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have continued to offer an emergency service for our community and have been proud to support those who needed us during such a difficult time. We look forward to extending the same level of support and expertise to all of our customers,” she says.

For more information or to request an appointment, visit www.specsavers.ie.

For a small village, Courtmacsherry has a big heart, as demonstrated by the local response to the current pandemic. Over the past five weeks, volunteers like Sheila Desmond, John Madden and Clemence Holland have mobilised to provide support to members of the community in the Courtmacsherry, Barryroe and Lislevane areas, who are isolated or self-isolating at home.

Semi-retired nurse and social worker Sheila Desmond is on the road every day picking up prescriptions and running errands for the 20 to 30 people over-70 cocooning in Courtmacsherry village. “We have about 40 more people helping out locally who are calling in on their neighbours and anyone else in need,” she explains. 

“A lot of people are very anxious about the virus but most seem to be coping well at home.” The Courtmacsherry, Lislevane, Barryroe Support group has distributed a flyer locally with helpline numbers and Community Support contact details. Anyone needing help can contact Sheila Desmond on 085 8531134, John Madden on 023 88 40123 or Clemence Holland on 087 4415272.

There has also been no shortage of volunteers helping to staff Courtmacsherry Community Shop. “We’ve had a few who had to drop out for age or health reasons but we’ve had many others step up to take their place,” says Sheila.

“I’m really proud of the way our local community has responded to this crisis. People are maintaining their social distance and helping out where they can.”

Courtmacsherry Community Shop remains open seven days a week, with deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables times a week and delicious home baking supplied by local baker Brendan of Travara lodge.

Other local businesses have also stepped up with The Golden Pheasant providing a takeaway pizza service every Friday and Saturday evening (023 8846805) and gastro pub The Lifeboat Inn giving free cookery lessons through their facebook page and a takeaway dinner service every weekend ((023) 886 4656).

Barryroe Co-op is offering a free local delivery service, which is a lifeline for the elderly in the community (023 8840053).