900 Specsavers stores have now installed OCT

900 Specsavers stores have now installed OCT

Ensuring the latest optical technology is accessible to as many people as possible

Specsavers has today announced its 900th store location in the UK and Ireland to install an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as Selby in Yorkshire. The technology is used as part of Specsavers’ most advanced eye test.

The landmark has been achieved four years after the company announced the commitment to a £35 million pound investment. Since 2017, Specsavers stores have been installing OCT scanners, backed up by an extensive training and mentoring programme for all optical colleagues.
This nationwide rollout allows most Specsavers optometrists to work with OCT technology.

Mohammed Basharat, who has been the ophthalmic director in Selby for 19 years said all the store’s optometrists had completed a seven-module training course to work with OCT.
‘We are so pleased to be able to offer this technology to the Selby community and enhance the customer experience. The team have loved using it and the feedback from customers so far has been brilliant.
‘It also helps relieve pressure on the NHS because it reduces the number of referrals we need to make.’

Paul Morris, Specsavers Director of Professional Advancement adds: ‘Using this remarkable technology alongside the data we collect in our clinical outcome report, we are able to ensure our clinicians deliver the very best care in their communities by being aware of key metrics from their clinics such as recall and referral rates. This allows clinicians to reflect on their practice like never before and opens up multiple opportunities for continuous
professional development.

Specsavers clinical services director Giles Edmonds says: ‘Together with our partners, we’re totally committed to making a positive difference to the lives of everybody – and OCT is part of this.’
‘Having OCT available nationwide is great news for customers who love the fact we use the latest technology and it’s also great news for optometrists who want to advance eye care by working with OCT. The completion of our national rollout is proof of our investment into innovating optometry’.

More than 4,000 optometrists have completed the online training to work with OCT, from an overview of the technology to disease progression analysis.
OCT is offered when booking an eye test to people aged 25 and over, or if clinically indicated. The £10 charge for an OCT scan is additional to the standard eye test fee.

Pictured: Mohammed Basharat at Selby