SPECSAVERS Otley and Ilkley have recently partnered with Spot On Society (SOS), a social group for the partially-sighted and hard-of-hearing to provide optical expertise and professional guidance on any sight related concerns.

Established 25 years ago by Otley locals Phyllis Davidson and Norah Hollings, the group provides support and a sense of community for those with living with partial sight, hearing loss, or both, regularly meeting to listen to informative guest speakers or simply catch up over coffee.

Proud to work closely with SOS, Senior Optometrist across Specsavers Otley and Ilkley, Sara Saunders has recently been appointed the group’s go-to expert for all things sight related. This follows Sara’s recent SOS work speaking at the group’s events and providing her professional insight and expertise.

Sara now acts as the group’s ‘Ask the Optician’ contact and conducts an ongoing open-door policy for group members to access professional advice and guidance whenever they require.

On her work with SOS, Sara said: "The Specsavers team take pride in being a part of our local community which means helping those who come into store but also going out to actively provide support where necessary.

"I was so warmly welcomed by the SOS team when giving my first guest speaker presentation that of course I jumped at the chance to work with the organisation more closely on a regular basis, to make sure help and reassurance is available to members at all times."

Founder of the SOS group Phyllis Davidson adds: "The support from a trusted source like Specsavers means so much to the SOS group and its members. We want our members to feel comfortable and confident, and the ability to gain professional knowledge and opinion from a friendly face is hugely comforting for the SOS community."

And co-founder Norah Hollings said: "Our name stands for ‘Spot On Society’, in reference to the colourful spots designed to guide partially-sight people towards vital everyday objects. Small details like this and helpful insight from experts like Sara are really helpful in making the lives of people living with partial sight that little bit more manageable."

Specsavers Otley and Ilkley offer traditional and OCT eye tests easily booked over the phone or online, with accessible and at home options also available.