Thousands of Pimlico residents will have access to the very latest eyecare and audiology services thanks to the opening of a new store.

Specsavers Pimlico, situated in Warwick Way, on the site of a former 1,600sq feet Tesco, boasts state-of-the-art equipment and staff with decades of experience.

To mark the store opening, Specsavers Co-founder Dame Mary Perkins cut the green ribbon and gave a short congratulatory speech.

Ophthalmic director Priti Patel, who has spent her 18-year career with Specsavers, said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to host Dame Mary today. It’s a real honour that our Co-Founder has been here to join in the grand opening and celebrate with the team.

(Left to right) Specsavers Pimlico - Priti Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Nisha Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Tom Harvey, Retail Director and Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder Specsavers.

placeholder image — (Left to right) Specsavers Pimlico - Priti Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Nisha Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Tom Harvey, Retail Director and Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder Specsavers.

‘The store shopfitting has been ongoing for the last three months, so it’s wonderful to be finally open to the public, showcasing the very latest Specsavers in-store design and branding. We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the local community and adding value to business owners and residents alike.’

Customers can choose from the wide range of over 1,200 frames on display. From the value frames starting at just £15 to the designer brands, including the very latest Elton John Eyewear Collection and customer favourites such as Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Kylie Minogue, Balmain, will.i.am, Superdry and Vivienne Westwood.

Retail director Tom Harvey brings leadership and an extensive pedigree of professionalism and expertise to the new store, having worked in optometry for over 25 years, including 15 as retail director of Specsavers Victoria.

He said: ‘We’re thrilled to be open for business and it’s wonderful that Dame Mary has been able to mark this special occasion with us.

(Left to right) Specsavers Pimlico - Tom Harvey, Retail Director, Priti Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder Specsavers and Nisha Patel, Ophthalmic Director.

‘We’re fortunate to have recruited some highly experienced colleagues who join us from other central London Specsavers stores, including a store manager whose career spans over 20 years, and an assistant manager and an optical assistant.

‘As a newly formed team, we are all passionate about offering our customers the very best customer service and clinical expertise, and we’re excited to be part of this thriving, lively London community.’

Nisha Patel, optometrist director with over 10 years of expertise at Specsavers said: ‘I’m really looking forward to welcoming in new customers and working with Tom, Priti and the team to build up the Specsavers Pimlico local profile – it’s exciting to part of a new business venture.’

The Pimlico store offers customers two optical consulting rooms, one hearing care room, two diagnostic testing areas and a dedicated contact lens station. The audiology centre offers a soundproof booth for customers to have their hearing tested, coupled with the latest micro-suction equipment for wax removal. Pimlico holds seven sight clinics a week and one audiology clinic.

(Left to right, front row)) Specsavers Pimlico - Shenaz Karamuth, Manager, Priti Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Nisha Patel, Ophthalmic Director, Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder Specsavers, Tom Harvey, Retail Director, Eileen Moriarty, Regional Relationship Manager, Central London and Nazifa Akther, Assistant Manager. (Back row) Darren Williams, General Manager UK & ROI, Specsavers.

Customers can benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine. The 3D scan is an advanced diagnostic, eye-scanning equipment that can help detect eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, up to four years earlier than traditional methods. Currently this diagnostic test is on offer for an additional £5.

A minor eye condition service (MECS) offers treatment of dry eyes, red eyes and blepharitis and is available to all. The store will also support local GP practices offering their patients community eye care which helps to reduce the impact on the NHS.

Specsavers recommend that adults have an eye test at least every two years, and children should visit every year. The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for anyone who qualifies. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test.

To book in for a sight or hearing check, you can contact Specsavers Pimlico who are located at 26 Warwick Way, Pimlico, SW1V 1RX on 020 4617 8869.

Alternatively, you can book online at:https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/pimlico