Blackpool opticians gets a complete new look thanks to lockdown

What started with a desire to ensure that Blackpool’s Woodhouse Opticians would be Covid-safe when it re-started regular appointments, quickly grew into a bigger revamp.

The family-owned practice decided the enforced lockdown period gave them the opportunity to re-think how they could best serve patients.

The Highfield Road premises has been given a new look, with fittings updated and more internal space created, while taking steps to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

Director Sukie Woodhouse said that patient reaction had been overwhelmingly positive for the new look.

She said: “It was many years since the practice had been fitted out and the more work we did to ensure that our patients and staff would have a safe environment, the more we thought about how we could change things for a better experience.

“We got right back to replastering and then choosing a new reception desk and display units and furniture that we can wipe down. Out went the carpets and instead we have a lovely wood-effect flooring.

“We have a new lit shelving display that gives our lovely designer frames a chance to shine.”

There’s also a state-of-the-art airconditioning system to improve the flow of fresh air and new working practices mean all staff are kitted out with PPE and practice areas are cleaned between patients.

Sukie was able to bring her artistic talent to bear, designing and building a statement spiral light fitting made from a stock of old circular lenses.

Woodhouse, which remained open for emergencies, repairs and contact lens supplies during lockdown, also took the opportunity to upgrade its patient records to a cloud-based system and launch its new website.

The business has been a feature in South Shore since it was established in 1962 by Leslie and Rosa Woodhouse, the parents of the present optometrist Stephen Woodhouse.

Also during lockdown Stephen appeared in an online video campaign promoting the work of independent opticians by the Sightcare group.

He said: “While the video had a serious message, about how we support the communities of which we are a part, it was great fun to be involved. We all had one line to deliver but I think there were many, many outtakes!”