Multiples to close on Monday 19 September

Optical practices across the country will close on Monday 19 September, the day of the Queen’s funeral, it has been confirmed.

Vision Express, Specsavers and Boots Opticians have confirmed that practices will close for the entire day.

Asda also announced on Twitter that it would be closing its supermarkets, which house its optical practices, until 5pm, “to allow our customers and colleagues to recognise the passing of our late Monarch and commemorate her steadfast service to our nation.” 

The optometry groups join a raft of other organisations, including schools, that will close to mark the funeral. The day has been designated as a bank holiday.

A Specsavers spokesperson told OT: “Specsavers businesses will be closed on the bank holiday of the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in line with Government guidance.”

The group emphasised that it has “also highlighted wellbeing support available to colleagues, recognising that the death of the Queen will have affected people in different ways.”

“Colleagues have been kept up to date with regular communications since the Queen's death and the period of national mourning as soon as government guidance for businesses, including around Her Majesty's funeral, has become available,” Specsavers added.

An announcement was also made on Twitter on the evening of Monday 12 September.

Specsavers patients who have appointments booked on Monday will be contacted directly to reschedule appointments, the group said.

Vision Express confirmed Monday’s closure on Twitter on Tuesday 13 September, advising patients with existing appointments to contact their practices to rearrange. 

A spokesperson told OT: “Vision Express has taken the decision to close all of its stores on 19 September to enable all colleagues and customers to commemorate with their families and communities the incredible 70 years of Her Majesty the Queen’s service.”

Boots also confirmed to OT that “Boots Opticians and Boots Hearingcare branches will all be closed on the bank holiday.”

Monday marks the end of the period of national mourning that has been in place since the Queen died on Thursday 8 September at the age of 96.