downsmail.co.uk News Are you getting the best sight test? Is your eyesight important?


What would you do without it? More often than not a visit to the optician involves walking in, sitting down, waiting around, being rushed into a darkened room to read some letters on a chart, a light shone in your eyes and a new pair of specs.


Is this the best care for your eyes? Alisdair Buchanan of Buchanan Optometrists in Kent was voted UK Optometrist of the year 2017; he explains what they do differently at his practice: “From the moment you walk through the door, you notice we do things very differently to most opticians. The warm welcome, the relaxing smell, the beautifully appointed surroundings, the fantastic teas and coffees and that is before we even start on your eyes. You see, everything that we do in my practice is orchestrated to be the best. That is why we have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in equipment to look after your eyes, to ensure any conditions or problems are detected


THE complaints of commuters using morning peak Southeastern services from West Malling ap- pear to have been heard. Southeastern has announced 68 carriages are to be added to the busiest services leaving Maidstone East from mid-September. The extra carriages – transferred


from Thameslink and Southern services - will provide an extra 5,000 seats for commuters travel- ling into London, addressing long- standing overcrowding issues. The transfer, which should be complete by November, was ap- proved by the Department for Transport, which has been working with Southeastern and Govia Thameslink Railway. It will bring more air condi- tioned, modern carriages into serv- ice on the Maidstone East line, with some peak-time trains doubling in length. Roger Johnson, from the Rail


Travellers’ Association, says over- crowding on the Maidstone East line has for years seen rail passen- gers heading for other mainline sta- tions at Paddock Wood and


Newtrain boost for commuters


Carol’s crochet poppy tribute


Sevenoaks. “This in turn leads to overcrowding on those peak serv- ices and we have been campaign- ing for many years for a major upgrade for the Maidstone line,” he said. He says the transfer of 10-year-


old stock to replace the present age- ing and unreliable trains is good news - and comes ahead of a bigger upgrade of the service in December 2018. Mr Johnson said: “This will pro-


vide a small but welcome increase in capacity and a more comfortable environment for passengers. “The second, more dramatic up-


grade, will come in 12 months’ time when the existing service will be supplemented with an all-day half hourly service between Maidstone East via London Bridge and Kings Cross/St Pancras to Cambridge.” Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom


as early as possible. Most of the equipment we use is only available in a handful of practices around the country. However, the most crucial piece of equipment we use is our ears. We take the time to listen to your concerns and problems and then ascertain the best way to resolve these. You will never feel rushed at Buchanan Optometrists. Taking the time ensures you get the best care, advice and the most beautiful spectacles available. You are after all a walking advert for us. The range of stunningly beautiful spectacle frames has been chosen for their style, quality and comfort. We have dealt with our frame artisans for many years ensuring


support of our products. We do not just do eye tests and spectacles. We are


Tugendhat said: “For years, pas- sengers have suffered from over- crowded services inWest Kent and I’ve campaigned on this for a long time. I’m pleased that the govern- ment has allowed Southeastern to secure these carriages.”


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01732 617557 56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent ME6 5NB


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MORE than 2,000 handmade poppies have been handed in as part of a challenge to produce a magical carpet of remembrance. However, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, which launched the appeal, say many more are needed. It hopes the public will rally to the cause and crochet poppies for the final collection on October 23. The poppy carpet will be unveiled on Friday, October 27, at Tonbridge Castle at the start of this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Knitted or crocheted poppies can be any size and follow any pattern, and can be handed in at Larkfield Library, in Martin Square and Snodland orWest Malling libraries in the High Street. Carol King (pictured), who lives near Blue Bell Hill, has made hundreds of poppies for the display. She said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved. It doesn’t take long to crotchet each one and I’m glad to be supporting Royal British Legion in this way. I can’t wait to see the final display!”


leaders in treatments for dry or watery eyes, early glaucoma detection and Meares Irlen syndrome to name a few. My team of staff have been with me for many years assuring you of continuity of care. My practice has been in Snodland for over 57 years – a good heritage! There are good reasons we have become one of the most awarded opticians in the UK – Book your appointment to see why.


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