Mobile optician defies attack by vandals

Five mobile optician vehicles were severely damaged on April 30 while parked overnight in a secure industrial estate in Newtownards, Northern Ireland.

The five testing vans belong to Optomise, Northern Ireland's largest domiciliary provider.

Despite the damage to equipment, dispensing optician William Stockdale of Optomise told Optician that the company had not cancelled a single eye examination appointment.

Using the two remaining vans and a number of rented vehicles, the 23 staff have ensured that those patients who are unable to visit an optical practice continue to receive eye care.

At around 3.45am three young men and a young woman broke into the Crepe Weavers Industrial Estate with the probable intention of joyriding. 'After they failed to get them started they completely trashed the vans, smashed windows and dented body panels,' said Stockdale.