A DEAF man has hit out at an opticians for not fulfilling its duty to its hard-of-hearing customers.

Darren Jensen, 52, from Hove, says Specsavers in North Street, Brighton, twice failed to provide an interpreter when a deaf person entered the shop over the last 18 months.

Brighton and Hove City Council signed up to the British Sign Language (BSL) charter last summer, after the internal Fairness Commission recommended it adopt legally binding guidelines designed to stamp out discrimination.

Crucially, it promised to work towards two key pledges guaranteeing unlimited access to public services and a basic understanding of British Sign Language (BSL) among frontline staff.

But now Mr Jensen, who is the director of a Brighton-based social network and lobby group called Surdi, says enough is enough.

“We in the deaf community are really fed up of having our access to services denied,” he told The Argus through an interpreter.

“We are not getting the medical care that we need.

“I just want to make sure that people are aware this is happening.

“There is a budget there from the CCG [clinical commissioning group].

“It wouldn’t cost them anything, so why are they refusing to help?”

He said a woman from Saltdean had made an appointment in the North Street store around a fortnight ago – only to be expressly told no interpreter was available.

A Brighton man had already received the same treatment in 2015, he said.

Mr Jensen, a support worker for people with learning difficulties, founded Surdi at around the same time the man contacted him.

He said Vision Express in Churchill Square routinely provides an interpreter – in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The legislation, which distinguishes between direct and indirect prejudice, makes it illegal to discriminate on grounds of disability.

“It’s been a learning curve for me as well,” Mr Jensen said.

“It’s part of deaf culture to go ‘Right, if that service won’t provide access, we’re just not going to use it any more’.

“People don’t necessarily have that understanding of what they’re entitled to.

“I don’t want to come across as if I am waving a flag.

“The emotion I feel is disappointment, rather than some angry horse-riding campaign.”

Specsavers said it was taking strides to improve

its provision for deaf customers.

Brighton store director Andrew Wallbank said: “Specsavers in Brighton takes its responsibilities to deaf and hard of hearing customers seriously and complies with equality legislation to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for them.

“This will vary for each individual customer and could include allowing additional time for an eye test to take place, using an online resource to help with communication or allowing a companion to assist.

“The provision of an interpreter may be appropriate for some customers.

“Deaf customers who qualify for a free NHS eye test may be entitled to an interpreter through the local NHS.

“The Brighton store will arrange an interpreter for anyone who is eligible.

“Two of our team are currently learning British Sign Language to provide an improved service for deaf customers.

“I would be happy to meet with Surdi to discuss their concerns.”