Specsavers Cardiff celebrating its expert team, community involvement and festive charity initiatives with sights set on a bright future for all

Your sight is one of your most important senses.

So, when it comes to protecting eye health, it's important to know you're in safe hands.

With more than 300 years of combined experience, the passionate and professional team at Specsavers Cardiff Queen Street is committed to providing a quality and friendly service for its customers.

Last year, two local directors Clare Corcoran and Amy Naish joined retail director James Deavall and the team, bringing with them more than 40 years of combined experience.

Clare, optometrist director, stepped down from her longstanding position in Brecon and made the move to join the Queen Street store as a partner, alongside her established role in Llanishen. Meanwhile, contact lens optician and retail director Amy has spent 20 years working between Specsavers stores and support offices.

The pair joined 12 optometrists, four dispensing opticians and the store’s longest serving employee, Lisa Robinson who is part of the store’s management team. Having worked at the store for 36 years, she has seen two store moves, plus the opening of four other Cardiff stores and the development of audiology services.

Lisa has an extensive knowledge of the wide range of frames on offer at the store, and is described by her team as "one of the best frame stylists you could hope to have".

In addition, the store's trained and accredited audiology staff offer an ear wax removal service and sell hearing aids suitable for all types of hearing needs.

Alongside providing excellent, above and beyond care for its customers, the passionate team at the Queen Street branch dedicates time to support the local community, and with the help of other stores in Cardiff and Penarth, has helped to raise more than £8,000 for local causes this year alone.

The store’s community champion, Sofia Reeve, who joined the store four years ago alongside the wider team, regularly coordinates in-store events such as raffles and bake sales, as well as larger fundraising events.

Recently, audiologist Kyle James took to the sky to participate in a sponsored skydive in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Thanks to generous donations from the local community, he raised an incredible £575 for the charity.

Continuing with support for Alzheimer’s, four members of the team completed the Trek 26 Brecon Beacons walk. Amy, alongside managers Sarah Aspinall and Gemma Watkins and supervisor Kirsty Bews completed the challenging 26 mile walk in the Beacons, raising an amazing £1,700.

The team also attended an open day at Rumney Bowls Club, continuing their ongoing partnership.

As we approach the festive season, the store will support Boomerang – a Cardiff-based charity tackling poverty, social isolation and homelessness - by collecting gifts to help create a magical Christmas for less fortunate children.

The Queen Street branch, along with the other stores in Cardiff and Penarth, will act as a collection point for the charity until Sunday, December 15, encouraging locals to donate new items that can be packaged and sent out during the festive period. In the past, Boomerang has supported hundreds of people, including refugees and those living in hostels.

To get involved with upcoming events, pop into the store when you’re next in the area and view its community board. Or if you’re a charity or community group that would benefit from support, please speak to the community champion.

Throughout December, Specsavers Queen Street is running a seasonal promotion to help bring friends and families together over the festive period. Every customer that has a sight test between December 1 and 31 will receive a free game. The event will launch inside St David’s Shopping Centre on November 10, so head over to find out more.

To find out more about Specsavers Queen Street, request an appointment or browse the online store, visit the website.