EYECARE experts from Specsavers in Okehampton have championed the important role of eye tests during a meeting with the area’s MP.

Kath Dandy, director of Specsavers Okehampton, welcomed MP Mel Stride to the store located on Fore Street, along with Jonathan Drew from the local optical committee and Jenny Gowen, head of public affairs at the Optical Confederation in London. Mr Stride described the meeting as one of the most interesting he had had as an MP.

The MP for Central Devon attended to learn more about the range of services on offer at the store, including eye examinations and hearing services. During the visit Mr Stride learned about the importance of an eye examination in not only monitoring changes in your eyesight but also detecting sight-threatening conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and high blood pressure.

According to the briefing, up to 37,000 GP appointments a year could be freed up across Devon if primary care opticians were used to triage, manage and prioritise patients who would otherwise visit their GP or turn up at A&E.

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, said: ‘The arguments put forward by the opticians today were very compelling. If people can get a better service, closer to home and if the number of people making GP appointments and visiting A&Es with minor eye conditions is reduced as a result, then the proposals I heard today are worth serious consideration.’

Kath Dandy, store director at Specsavers in Okehampton, said: ‘It was a pleasure to meet with Mr Stride and members of the local optical committee to showcase the important work we do as eyecare providers.

‘We have long been championing the importance of regular eye examinations in our healthcare routines and this opportunity allowed us to bring it to life and the forefront of the healthcare agenda in Devon.’