Specsavers on Albany Road officially relaunched on 25 May following a £250,000 renovation. The renovation saw two new test rooms added, taking the store from four to six test rooms, to create additional space and meet the growing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area.

Thanks to the investment, the store is able to provide services on behalf of the NHS, including prescribing treatment for a range of eye conditions, as well as providing professional ear wax removal.

The investment in the store followed the appointment of two new directors, Matthew Rose and Jessica Borley. Matthew moved to Wales over a decade ago where he joined Specsavers as an optical assistant. After 14 years of working for the organisation, he joined the Albany Road store’s existing director, James Deavall, as retail director and dispensing optician.

Meanwhile, Jessica optometrist director, grew up just down the road from the store and attended the area’s local high school. She has worked for Specsavers for 17 years and, like Matthew, started her career as an optical assistant. Today, she works closely with local NHS services, such as pharmacies and community nurses, to help ensure that they are providing the best possible health care to their patients.

Commenting on the recent renovation, Jessica says: “The brand-new renovation, complete with state-of-the-art technology, aids us in providing vital services to our community while also alleviating pressure on the NHS.

“With over 200 years of experience among the team, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, further enhanced by our recent renovation.”

The store continues to open seven days a week, Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Raising money for breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel

To celebrate the store’s reopening and welcome back its customers over the late May bank holiday weekend, Specsavers hosted a family fun day in aid of breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel. The fundraiser involved a range of activities, treats and goody bags for the community to enjoy.

The fundraising event was a great success and raised money for its chosen charity, which was founded by Kris Hallenga after she was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer at the age of 23. The charity aims to ensure breast cancers are accurately diagnosed at an early stage.

Jessica Borley says: “Connecting with the local community is very important to us at Specsavers. Bringing everyone together to support such a meaningful charity was truly special.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to our fundraiser so far, and we hope you enjoyed the store’s new look.”

To find out more information about Specsavers in Albany Road, request an appointment, or browse the online store at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/cardiffalbanyroad.

New leadership makes for a positive impact on Llanishen opticians

The Specsavers store in Llanishen has introduced new leadership following a successful £450,000 expansion in October 2022. The new leadership team was introduced to support the wider team and continue to provide customers with the best service possible. The new team includes store manager, Gavin James, assistant managers, Chris Baker and Melanie Smith, and lead optometrist, Amy Driscoll. They are all highly experienced members of staff who have previously worked in Specsavers stores throughout the Cardiff area.

Gavin James says: “We look forward to welcoming customers old and new into our Llanishen store and encourage anyone to book an appointment with our experienced team. We are proud to serve the communities within the north of Cardiff, raising money for a number of great local causes and sponsoring community events, such as the Lisvane Literary Festival. Come pay us a visit.”

To find out more information about Specsavers Llanishen, request an appointment, or browse the online store at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/cardiffllanishen.