A HAVERFORDWEST optician has welcomed a new optometrist to its team after seeing continued customer growth.

With 17-years of optical experience behind her, Nicky Jones has joined the Specsavers store on Bridge Street.

Store director Andy Britton said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nicky to the team here and I say this on behalf of all the staff when I wish her the very best and look forward to working with her in her new role.

“The business has continued to grow in recent years and in order for us to continue to service the community to the standards we pride ourselves on, we knew that we would have to invest in a new optometrist.”

With an impressive optical background and years of industry experience, Nicky previously ran her own practice in Haverfordwest and has spent the last few years working for Rayners. She has a special interest in children’s vision.

In a further bid to drive down customer waiting times, Specsavers Haverfordwest will now be open seven days a week. The store also runs clinics until 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Mr Britton added: “By increasing our opening hours we can also help reduce customer waiting times and ensure people are seen quickly by our qualified optometrists.

“It’s an exciting time for us as we grow and take on more staff and it’s great to be in a position to provide more local jobs as a result.”

Nicky added: “I have an extensive background in children’s vision and would encourage families and parents within the local community to bring their children in store for regular sight tests.

“Research has shown that nearly 20 per cent of children in the UK have vision problems, many of which go undetected.”

“As with anything, if vision problems go untreated for a prolonged period of time, these can affect a child’s social skills and academic performance. Therefore, if you think this may be the case, it is important to ensure that you get your child’s vision checked.”