Press release -
Porthill stroke survivor helps Vision Express unveil its upgraded Hanley store
A stroke survivor from Porthill joined Vision Express staff at the Hanley Potteries store this weekend, to officially celebrate its recent refit.
68-year-old John Forster helped store manager Lee Rafferty and his team with a ribbon cut to unveil the store’s new equipment and eye health facilities.
John and his partner Eileen Allman were special guests representing the Stroke Association, which is a charity partner of Vision Express.
After experiencing his first stroke sixteen years ago, John has since had a further two and has no feeling on the left side of his body. John has taken an active role in the Stroke Association with partner Eileen. They help the Hanley Long Term Support Group, raising awareness of how to detect the condition and how to cope with life after a stroke.
John said: “We were honoured to attend the Hanley Vision Express store re-launch on Saturday. A stroke can have a huge impact on someone’s life, and that’s why we were so grateful to be part of the day and help raise awareness of the condition. The Vision Express staff showed a genuine interest in stroke and the work of the Stroke Association.”
Up to 60% of stroke survivors will experience visual problems, yet one in three stroke survivors are not warned that sight loss could be a problem or that treatment and support is available. Vision Express and the Stroke Assocation have joined forces to drive home the importance of an eye test, as a vital tool to help detect and manage the condition.
Store manager Lee Rafferty said: "Our thanks go to John and Eileen for joining us on this special day. The refurbishment of the store will help us to deliver a thorough vision care service to the local community, and we couldn’t be happier with our new-look home.
“The store has been trading from this location for more than 25 years, so we’re delighted we can continue to provide the same high level of service our customers know us for, with an offering which includes sophisticated screening equipment and a wide selection of frames.”
Vision Express offers an eye test to best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists (COO), with each Vision Express optometrist being a qualified eye health professional. To book an eye test visit the Hanley Vision Express store at Potteries Shopping Centre, Stoke on Trent, ST1 1PS, call 01782 283400 or visit: www.visionexpress.com
Related links
Topics
Regions
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
About Vision Express
Vision Express has more than 390 stores nationwide and continues to maintain its position as one of the leading and most trusted opticians in the UK and Ireland. Stroke Association ambassador John Forster was special guest as the Vision Express Hanley store officially unveiled its refurbishment.Since its conception in 1988, Vision Express has gone from strength to strength, focusing on customer service in order to provide the best individual optical care and deliver the best service, the right product and great value. Vision Express has a vast range of genuine designer brands and the latest technology lenses, through to complete glasses from £29.
