A SEDGLEY sight loss charity has launched the UK's first social enterprise optometry service.

Beacon Centre for the Blind now offers a full NHS eye testing and spectacle dispensing service in state-of-the-art facilities within its Wolverhampton Road East headquarters.

Beacon Opticians+ also offers specialist testing for people with sight loss conditions, dementia or learning difficulties, in an environment specifically adapted to meet their needs.

Arwyn Jones, the charity's chief executive, said: “Opening an optometry practice was an obvious extension to our already comprehensive eye health services.

“This is a fully-functional opticians, providing exactly the same service as high street businesses, and is open to everyone, with the added benefit that all income from the practice supports our services in the community and further eye health campaigns.

"To the best of our knowledge this is the first ever opticians in the UK trading as a social enterprise, returning its profits back to charity."

Mr Jones said the charity regularly receives donations of spectacles, which were previously recycled to fund services.

But now the charity will be offering people the chance to bag a bargain and purchase pre-loved designer frames through the optometry service.

Sedgley councillor and West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge took a tour of the groundbreaking new facility on Friday (November 13).

He said: “This latest development at the Beacon Centre is exciting news not just for the centre itself but also for the wider community. Sedgley is leading the way.

“Looking after your eyes and getting them tested regularly is as important as going to the dentist or getting your hearing checked.

“It can help spot problems early and as we all get older our eyesight does deteriorate sometimes without us noticing it, so regular testing is vitally important."

Beacon has also had a boost from Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who has joined a new Parliamentary group on sight loss to promote the charity's work.

The Eye Health and Visual Impairment All-Party Parliamentary Group works to inform MPs about treatment and support for people suffering from sight loss and blindness.

Mr Austin said: “I’m delighted to join this new group to raise issues facing people with sight loss and blindness in Parliament.

“The Beacon Centre for the Blind does brilliant work here in Dudley, so I will be working to promote them and speak up for local blind people.”

For more information about the charity's services or to book an optometry appointment, call 01902 886794.