Specialist centres have been set up across Powys to ensure people still have access to eyecare during the coronavirus outbreak.

Essential and urgent services are now available in "optometry hubs" set up by opticians alongside Powys Teaching Health Board.

Adrian Osborne from Powys Teaching Health Board said: “Essential and urgent optometry services are now provided in optometry hubs across the county by appointment.

"For a temporary period, to keep you safe and keep our staff safe, routine optometry services such as regular sight tests are not currently available.

"If you believe your problem to be urgent or essential please telephone the optometry hub nearest to you and seek their advice. They may discuss your case by phone, arrange a video consultation or arrange an appointment in practice.”

The hubs are located at:

• Specsavers, Newtown; tel 01686 610600

• Evans & Jones, Llandrindod Wells; tel 01597 822143

• SG Marshall, Builth Wells; tel 01982 552801

• First Optic, Brecon; tel 01874 610256

• David Jenkins Optometrist, Ystradgynlais; tel 01639 843627

Services for residents of north west Powys are also available nearby at:

• Eleanor Davies Optometrists, Dolgellau; tel 01341 423773

• Specsavers, Aberystwyth; tel 01970 636170

• Probert & Williams Optometrists, Aberystwyth; tel 01970 611555

All other optometry practices in Powys have been asked to close to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Should you be unsure who to contact then please call your usual optometrist who will provide information through a telephone answering service.

Mr Osborne added: “We thank you all for your patience and support through the current public health emergency. We thank local optometry teams – and all NHS staff, health and care colleagues, partners across public services, community & voluntary support, local businesses, and everyone working together for the people of Powys.

“Coronavirus is circulating in the UK. We all have a responsibility to prevent the spread of infection. We can do this by staying home and saving lives.”