MP Mel Stride meets ear and eye care experts at Specsavers Okehampton

Central Devon MP Mel Stride recently visited Specsavers Okehampton to gain insight into the crucial role that opticians and audiologists play in providing healthcare services to the community and supporting the NHS. 

Mr Stride, who also serves as the Work and Pensions Secretary, engaged with the expert team at Specsavers Okehampton on Fore Street to understand first hand how they deliver NHS services and offer essential eye and ear care.

During his visit, Mr. Stride expressed his appreciation for the range of services provided by Specsavers and affirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Okehampton team to ensure continued access to vital care for the local community.

Mr Stride said: “It was great to meet the team at Specsavers today. It was particularly useful to have had the opportunity to learn more about the range of services they offer. I look forward to working with the Okehampton team to ensure that Specsavers can continue to offer vital care to the local community.”

In discussions with the Specsavers team, Mr. Stride also acknowledged the importance of the extensive training undergone by all staff members and recognised the potential for community opticians and audiologists to further contribute to delivering critical services locally.

Optometrist Kathryn Reynolds, a director of the store said: “We are locally owned and run, and proud to be at the heart of our community, providing exceptional eye health and hearing care as well as supporting local organisations. We also spoke about Specsavers’ mission to change lives through better sight and hearing, and our ambition to further improve access to care for all.”

During the visit, Kathryn also addressed the absence of a Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECs) in the local area, stressing the need for such a service to facilitate easier access to NHS care for minor eye conditions without the necessity of visiting a GP or hospital.

Audiologist Max Bennet, another director of the store, seized the opportunity to discuss with Mr. Stride the range of NHS and private hearing care services offered at Specsavers Okehampton.

Mr Bennet said: “Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions, and the impact of hearing loss can be significant. Whether it’s wax removal, a hearing test, or a hearing aid fitting that's needed, we can ensure residents of Okehampton can access the highest standard of audiology care close to home, without the need for unnecessary hospital appointments.”