THE MAYOR of Haverfordwest officially opened a new state-of-the-art Opticians at the Withybush Retail Park branch of Boots.

The ceremony took place this morning, half an hour before the addition to the store welcomed its first customer.

Around six staff will deliver the new service, including two trained Optometrists and a Dispensing Optician. They expect to perform around 160 eye tests a week, using the latest eye care technology. Hearing care will also be on offer.

“It’s been 12 – 18 months in the planning,” said Implementation Manager Richard Palmer. “We’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time.”

Working by an appointment system, the eye care and the hearing care services will keep the same opening hours as the rest of the store.

Around 1,000 styles of UV protective glasses are offer, with prices ranging from £50 to more expensive eyewear from designers including Ray-Ban and Ralph Lauren. There is a dedicated kids range, and lots of sunglasses too.

Product manager Claire Rees welcomed guests to the opening and said she and her staff were looking forward to “enriching the lives of their customers”.

She also thanked her co-workers for their “dedication and hard work” in the run-up to the opening, which coincides with National Eye Health Week.

Mayor Roy Thomas, accompanied by his Mayoress, cut the ribbon to declare the Opticians open, before being invited to slice the celebratory cake and enjoy a glass of bucks fizz.