A COUPLE have realised their dream by opening an opticians with a difference - one that tests clients' eyes in their own homes.

Orly and Izhak Simkin, who come from South Africa, have set up Opticians at Home, based at their practice at Consett's Number One Roundabout.

Mr Simkin said: "We feel that having your eyes tested is not only important for visual correction, but equally important is the detection of a variety of conditions affecting general health such as diabetes and hypertension.

"These are often first picked up on an eye examination and that is why we are concentrating on offering full eye examinations at patients' homes. The bulk of our work will be for the housebound, but we are happy to see anyone who simply hasn't got time to waste sitting in a waiting room - as well as corporate VDU screen users at their places of work."

Opticians at Home was launched by Derwentside District Council chairman Cath Clarke.