Staying safe in store (COVID-19 precautions)

It’s understandable to have a few reservations as we adapt to life in the ‘new normal’, but we want to reassure you we’re taking every precaution to help you return to our stores safely.

As an essential provider of optical and hearing services, we are open and here for you whatever happens. Our branches are all fully re-opened and will continue to be, even in areas of additional restrictions or if we have further lockdowns.

We have made some changes in relation to how we operate around the branch to ensure that we are COVID secure. Your branch may be open different hours to before, so we recommend that you check your local branch page where you can also book your eye test online.

To find out more about what we are doing to keep everyone safe, read below.

What are we doing to make you safe?

• Face covering/PPE – To keep you and our branch staff safe, we ask that you wear face coverings when visiting our branch– just as you would a shop. If members of the clinical team can’t socially distance (which may be the case depending on which test is being carried out) they’ll be wearing PPE/face coverings provided by Scrivens.
• Extra cleaning time – We’re thoroughly cleaning all equipment used during eye tests after each appointment. And should you need glasses, you can freely try as many styles as you like – as we clean all glasses before the next person tries them.
• Hand sanitiser/Hand washing – You’ll have the opportunity to sanitise your hands as you enter the branch and our staff are washing their hands on a regular basis.
• Social distancing – Where possible, we’re practicing social distancing and we’ve streamlined services so close contact with staff can be kept to a minimum.
• More time between appointments – We’ve increased the time between appointments to limit the amount of people in branch.

Process of booking appointments?

You can book an appointment with us as usual, online, via the phone or popping into your local branch. Please note, if you do pop into branch, staff may ask you to wait a short time as they manage the number of people in the branch.

Once you’ve booked an appointment you’ll get a call from a member of our team to go through a few pre-screening questions.

Can I just go into a branch?

We’re very happy that we can welcome you through our doors again, even without a pre-booked appointment. However, we ask that you wear a mask at the branch and maintain social distancing. If there are too many people in the branch, you may be asked to wait for a short period.

Do I need an eye test?

Everyone should have a regular routine eye test – some people may need a test more often than others.

If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, it’s important to see a professional. It may simply be we need to amend your prescription, but it’s always better to get it checked.

Book an Eye Test Now

If you need an appointment but are self-isolating, our staff may arrange a remote appointment. Please call your local branch, but do not enter the store if you are self-isolating or showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Handy tip – bring your own pen with you when you visit branch. You may need to sign some forms.  

If you start to feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms before your appointment, we ask that you call your local branch to rearrange. Please don’t visit the branch if you feel unwell.

Here’s what recent customers thought of their experience:

“Excellent service and quick delivery of glasses. Lovely staff in the Bearwood branch. Facing adversity in these times but doing it with a smile. Thank you!”

“My appointment ran to time. No waiting around. I was instructed to sanitize my hands and both myself and staff were wearing masks so I felt safe. Diane was very efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. No complaints :)”

“I visited Scrivens for an eye test, due to Covid 19 the staff were very thorough making sure that there was plenty of hand gel to use and wiping everything down i.e. the card machine etc before offering it to be used. I had a good experience in the shop, staff were very pleasant and helpful and I was very happy with my purchases. The staff made me feel very comfortable. There was plenty of choices on frames for me to pick out and try and I was given plenty of time to make my choice.”

“The staff were very helpful. Welcoming environment and social distancing maintained as per government guidelines.”

“I have recently had both an eye test and a hearing test at Scrivens. The staff are friendly and welcoming and even with the restrictions of social distancing it was a relaxed and comfortable experience. I have one pair of new glasses and await a second pair and I am also awaiting new hearing aids.”

If you have any more concerns please contact us here or consult our Coronavirus FAQ page here.