Bro Kevin McCarthy, Senior Warden of Caerfyrddin Lodge no 4928 hit the headlines in the South Wales Guardian for all the right reasons on Sunday 26th April 2020:

AN AMMANFORD opticians has been nominated by the Hywel Dda University Health Board to stay open as an eye care hub to help take pressure off the NHS.

Specsavers Ammanford will remain open for urgent care only, as directed by the Welsh Government, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Eye care hubs are being set up across all the different health boards in Wales where optometrists will manage patients without having to refer them to a GP or hospital for many conditions.

Kevin McCarthy, director of the Ammanford store, says:

‘These are testing times for everyone so it’s more important than ever to help ease the pressure off our amazing NHS and support our local community. This is a fantastic initiative set up by the Welsh Government and the health boards, which will, no doubt, save a great number of visits to a GP or the hospital. I pay tribute to my colleagues in Ammanford and thank them for all their hard work."

Mr McCarthy continues:

‘We’re prioritising key workers and people with urgent and emergency eye care needs and the team has been going above and beyond for our customers. We want the local community to know that, while we are closed for routine appointments at the present time, we are still very much here to support people with their essential eye care needs – so please give us a call if you need us.’

James Ross, Head of West Wales Freemasons said: "Well done Kevin keep up the good work. We're all very proud of you!"