O Briens gets a new look
6 May 2006
Phase 2 of the refurbishment at O'Brien's Opticians has just been completed. Phase 1 concerned the external frontage while phase 3 will concentrate on the refitting of the examination area.
Manager Jacqui with the new home visit and video imaging equipment
Sheeraz Janjua - the owner / optician - wanted to make sure that he gave as much of the work as possible to local Brigg businesses. New carpets have been installed throughout by Parkers, new light fittings by Barry Gray & Sons, new chairs by Brigg Office Supplies, new alcoves and archways by Homecrafts of Brigg, new internal clear signage by Ranyard Signs, with the surfaces being painted by Dave Allen. The new specialist shelving has been supplied by Rolands of Grimsby.
Together with the refurbishment and refitting, several new services have been implemented by O'Briens.
A new domiciliary home visit service has begun in which patients who are either housebound or cannot attend the surgery for another reason can be seen by Mr Janjua for an eye examination and glasses selection and fitting. The residential home for the elderly Rathside in Scawby has been one of the first to take advantage of this service. Sheeraz was keen to point out that the home visit would be covered by the NHS so it would be free to the patients.
This new home visit service arose out of a request by North Lincolnshire Council who are currently engaged in a 'Healthy living' campaign for old people in North Lincs. The causes of falls in the elderly had been identified as: poor vision, ill fitting footwear and inadequate lighting. In his capacity as an ophthalmic optician, Sheeraz was asked to address a Collaborative Group at the Brigg Health Centre.
A new video imaging system has been installed as well as extra lighting to make it easier to choose exactly the right frames to match the patient's face. The system is exceptionally easy to use with a touch screen and lets the glasses wearer see his or her face from any angle - and is especially useful for those with long or short sight.
New display and reception areas
In contrast to many other local opticians, O'Briens continues to offer a diabetic screening service. Recently the local Primary Care Trust had been planning to take over this screening service, but a lack of funds has meant that this has not been possible. Since then many local opticians have not been prepared to start up screening once again leading to very long waiting lists for diabetic patients.
Sheeraz - as a committed professional optician - believes that it is vital to maintain a service for diabetics, and continues to offer screenings to patients both within and without his surgery's "catchment area" - even though he is unlikely to be reimbursed by the local PCT. "All patients should be treated equally - it is not the fault of the diabetics so they should receive a screening", according to Sheeraz.