HEALTHCARE can be stressful, whether it is seeing a doctor, dentist or optician.

Surgeries, hospitals and doctor’s waiting rooms are crammed with people, always busy and often noisy.

This can add to the stress for patients, and may even put people off seeking the help they need in the future.

Harley Eyecare, an NHS and private service which has been in the town for 35 years, understands this and takes a different approach.

It is a small optician practice based in Little Square, Braintree, and is a practice with a difference.

They have one optician, Simon Neill, and the management makes sure to structure appointments so the practice is never too busy.

Manager Eva Norden said when visiting her practice, staff at Harley Eyecare take time to chat and make patients comfortable.

She said: “We never rush our patients and we allow a long time for eye testing.

“People can become afraid of seeing healthcare professionals.

“But we’ll show you this isn’t the case.

“We have a dedicated room for trying on lenses too so patients are never embarrassed.

“Simon, our optometrist, is kind and understanding, and explains everything fully in a way which patients can understand.”

Eva has managed the practice since 1985, and has been in Braintree for 33 years.

She says the job never gets tiring and enjoys helping others.

She said: “The most enjoyable aspect of the job is seeing people being able to enjoy their sight and vision.

“When people don’t have the ability to see or read things properly, it is very frustrating for them.

“To get it fixed and to see them with glasses and contact lenses, knowing they can see properly again, is something that is a great feeling.

“How often you go to the opticians usually depends on what your last optician said, but if you haven’t had one in the last two years, my advice is to go and have your eyes tested.

“Your eyes need to be tested and this is crucial not just for your eyes but your overall health.

“We can detect other medical health problems such as diabetes through a normal eye-test.

“That is why it is so important to go.”

Eva said her base in Braintree is ideal.

She said: “Braintree has been our home for more than 30 years.

“It’s great to be a part of a business community, as well as a whole community of patients who have been with us for a number of years.

“We are working hard in Braintree to deliver a service which makes a difference.”

The shop opens from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and until 3pm on Saturdays.