Local Assembly Member Paul Davies AM recently visited Specsavers in Haverfordwest to meet local optometrist Andy Britton and learn more about the valuable role of community optometrists across Wales. The visit, coordinated by Optometry Wales gave Mr Davies a better understanding of the Wales Eye Care Service and the importance of having regular eye checks.

Mr Davies said: “Visiting a local community optometrist reminded me of the importance of having regular eye checks. Eye checks are just as important as any other health checks as these tests can show early signs of a number of conditions, which is why it’s so important that as many people as possible visit their local optometrist. The Wales Eye Care Service has certainly shifted care closer to home for many patients across Wales by offering a quality clinical service on the door step. It’s so crucial that people recognise the merits of regular eye checks and ensure that they visit their local optometrist on a regular basis.”

Andy Britton said, “We are proud to have Paul visiting us as part of our commitment to the Wales Eye Care Service which allows patients in Wales to access eye care across Wales free of charge to those who meet the criteria. We hope that the visit will encourage as many people as possible to have regular sight tests, with more than half of all sight loss in the UK being recognised as avoidable, we are really pleased that the Wales Eye Care Service still provides us with the opportunity to see our patients close to their homes, in the community.”