Eyewear hope for patients

Saturday 20th February 2010, 10:15AM GMT.

Customers affected by the sudden closure of a Shropshire and Mid Wales chain of opticians, which is at the centre of a fraud probe, could receive the glasses and lenses they thought they had lost.

Thousands of pounds’ worth of items are being held in Shrewsbury after the closure of Drayton Eye Centre, in High Street, Market Drayton, in December.

But now it has emerged Shropshire Primary Care Trust has some orders ready to dish out to NHS patients.

PCT spokesman Mathew James said: “Any patients who are waiting for specific glasses or contact lenses should contact the registrations department at the PCT on (01743) 261300.”

As part of the fraud probe the Welshpool Eye Centre was also closed. Powys Local Health Board was unable to confirm if a similar arrangement was being made for the Welshpool branch.

In December West Mercia Police raided both premises and arrested a man and a woman in connection with an investigation into alleged fraud and false representations.

They were released on police bail, pending further investigations.

View more: Market Drayton news, Mid Wales news, Powys news, Shrewsbury news.