In lockdown 1 we were closed - offering only an emergency triage type of service. We got a covid support grant which helped out.

When lockdown 2 was announced we cancelled all appointments and closed, only to be told that we should be open “prioritising” essential appointments. We thought this was a bit odd in the context of a 4 week circuit breaker and did stay closed for most of that lockdown, but it meant we were no longer eligible for any support payments.

Lockdown 3 we are open for essential again, but are told we can fill up any spare capacity with routine work. This seems completely at odds with the “stay at home” message. So, we are not doing routine work, not sending reminders and telling people to only come if they have issues. Not all opticians feel the same way and there has been some (ahem) debate about the messaging of our regulatory bodies and how much influence the biggest players have on them.

Our take on essential is that you are struggling with your vision with your existing eyewear. Either due to the specs themselves or your eyes. So, for example, if you work from home on a screen all day and are getting eyestrain with your specs on, then an eye test is sensible. Or to put it another way, if you have no blur or strain and specs condition is OK, then wait until lockdown is over.

Even with PPE and all hygiene measures (plus front lne vaccines - 1 shot so far) 30mins plus in a closed room is not something you should do without good reason. So, it is quiet and we have reduced to 3 days “open” by appointment per week - there is still no financial support available to us, even though the impact is obvious.

Like everyone we look forward to different times ahead. Stay safe - Karl and the team.

In 2021 we are moving to new premises. 8 mins walk away according to Google Maps. We’ll be in Harland Works on John Street (just down from Ozmen’s/Go Outdoors) and next door to the new John St Kitchen.

We’ll be on the ground floor at the front - it’ll be yellow and the same team will be there.

We really hope that existing customer will be able to move with us. More new in the coming months.

When we opened after lockdown 1 we developed a system designed to allow us to resume providing eyecare and eyewear, while keeping people safe. We all - customers and staff - have worked hard to make this system work over the past few months - thank you all for your help.

However, from Thursday we are in a new lockdown.

The Government has requested that all non-essential retail closes as part of a “circuit breaker” that aims to reduce the rate of infection. We want to play our part in this, by staying at home. We will therefore be closing from Thursday until the 2nd of December.

This is a challenging time for everyone. You don't need problems with your vision or specs adding to the difficulties. So, if you have an emergency - such as breaking your only pair of glasses - email us hello@eyeyesheffield.co.uk and we will do what we can to help (Please don't rely on the phone as we won't be in the shop to answer it).

If you have a medical emergency with your eyes that you might normally come to us for advice first, please call 111 instead and they will help you.

We would like to re-open as soon as possible and will be watching government guidance for non-essential retail to see when that can happen. Appointments for December will be online in the next few days. When we do open, we will continue to do everything we can to keep all of us as safe as we can.

If you have a pair of specs on order you should have heard from us separately about arranging collection. If you had an appointment booked, you will receive a cancellation notification. Please be patient with Muna and Araxie as they try to respond to all the messages we have been receiving this week.

Let’s hope this 2nd lockdown has the desired effect and we can see you again soon. Thanks for all the support, it is much appreciated.