SPECSAVERS stores in England will reopen for routine testing from today following approval from NHS England, having operated an urgent and essential care only service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions.

The full breadth of optical and audiology services, including routine eye and hearing tests, contact lens consultations, frame repairs and the sale of glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other products, are now available.

"With lockdown measures easing, we’ve now extended our services in line with the latest government and NHS guidelines. This means that, for the first time since lockdown, customers are able to book routine eye and hearing tests" said Specsavers Clinical Services Director Giles Edmonds.

To help manage social distancing, stores are currently unable to offer a walk-in service. Customers should book an appointment in advance by phone or online via specsavers.co.uk.

New hygiene and personal protection measures include restrictions on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, strict social distancing rules and, where possible, card instead of cash payments.