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

Orly and Izhak Simkin, from South Africa, have set up Opticians at Home in Consett, based at their practice at the Number One Roundabout.

Mr Simkin said: "We feel that having your eyes tested is not only important for visual correction, but equally important in 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.

"Although the bulk of our work will be for the housebound, 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."