Prescription labs and firms providing optical services in the flood crisis areas of central and western England have attempted to fulfil their orders, despite damaged stock and premises, lack of power and water and stranded staff.
Gloucestershire-based Norville reported that its Magdala Road laboratory remained completely dry despite the torrential rainfall and was fully operational albeit with 'some daily challenges'.
When contacted by Optician on Tuesday, it had no mains water but had uninterrupted electricity supply. 'It was an unlucky stroke that this occurred over a weekend when it wasn't possible to raise contacts for support arrangements. It took most of Monday for the emergency arrangements to be put in place,' said chairman, Frank Norville.
Signet Armorlite was closed on Monday and Tuesday this week due to no electrical power or water, but was due to re-open for business on Wednesday. Marketing co-ordinator, Diane Alexander said: 'We were closed as a hygiene precaution. Luckily the lab itself has not been flooded. Travelling has been a nightmare it took me 15 hours to get home.'
The main difficulty at Sinclair Optical Services was staff struggling to get to work. 'Even short journeys have become hours in length. We were non-functional on Monday and are also now experiencing post problems,' said Peter Neal, business development manager at SOS.
Seiko Optical UK has also been hit by water shortages and had to arrange water deliveries to enable it to continue trading.
General manager John Conway said: 'What has happened is quite perilous and devastating. However, despite the problems it is very heart warming seeing the community work together so well.'