AN opticians has been helping those in need during the coronavirus crisis by running a delivery system and children's competitions to keep spirits up.

Holland Opticians, in Graham Road, has been delivering glasses to people in need, including the elderly and disabled, who are unable to come out to the shop because of lockdown.

Practice staff are travelling free of charge to the doorsteps of patients who cannot get to the practice, delivering glasses, contact lenses and solutions to those who are self-isolating.

The shop is also continuing to repair glasses, with patients able to send in their spectacles for repair and delivery.

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Partner and optometrist Kirsty Litherland said: “The wellbeing of our patients is our highest priority, so these measures are about ensuring the health of those in our local area is maintained during this period of uncertainty.

“We hope by extending our services beyond our normal capacity will allow our patients to follow government guidelines of staying at home whilst retaining peace of mind in their eye health.

“Our eyes are one of our most valued assets, so it’s vitally important that we stay open for emergency appointments only and guarantee that our patients are receiving the same level of care and attention, even in these testing times.

“All of our thoughts go out to all of those affected by COVID-19 and we hope we can continue to support our community for as long as possible.”

In addition, the practice has been keeping spirits up in the community, including launching an online kids magazine and a Roald Dahl children’s art competition.

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The competition invites school children to design their own ‘Willy Wonka’ spectacles whilst schools are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Staff at the practice have been inspired by their new Roald Dahl eyewear collection for kids, which styled featuring images and designs from the author’s famous works, including Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The winner of the competition will receive a set of 15 Roald Dahl books, with 2nd and 3rd placed entries also receiving prizes, whilst all other entries will be displayed in practice for visitors to enjoy.

As opticians are considered key workers, the practice has not been closed during the lockdown with the government saying shops providing essential and urgent primary eye health care should remain open.