Nantwich engineer creates Covid-19 “conker visor” for glasses wearers

Nantwich engineer Jag Virdie has created the “Conker Visor” to help glasses wearers stay protected from Covid-19.

Jag saw how face shields and facemasks needed for Covid-19 protection were proving difficult for people wearing glasses as they steamed up and obscured vision.

In March, when Jag’s business Conker Living wasn’t operating due to lockdown, he created the Conker Visor.

It is a lightweight clip that enables wearers to mount it to glasses allowing a face shield to be attached.

Universal clips mount to a glasses frame that already fit the user’s face without the need for adjustment.

After getting a few of his friends who were healthcare professionals to try the Conker Visor, Jag made an initial batch of 500 which he donated to staff at Leighton Hospital, his local GP surgery and local care home where it was utilised by staff successfully.

After the initial batch was well received, he contacted Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub to find out how to showcase his product to the NHS.

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub connected Jag to Cheshire and Warrington Health Matters.

He learned the key requirements to be an NHS supplier, required certification needed and how he could showcase Conker Visor to members of the NHS supply chain, including Alder Hey Hospital.

The product was launched for wholesale and individual orders in December with large orders being made directly through the business.

Former host of The Gadget Show Jason Bradbury was so impressed by the sample product he has agreed to feature in how-to and promotional videos for Conker Visor.

Jag said: “This was a project I began during the first lockdown, because I wanted to do something to help our frontline workers locally.

“The support I have received has helped me accelerate the product development process, so that now I am at the stage of applying for a global patent.

“I’m glad that others saw the potential in the Conker Visor and hope it will be able to help 1000s of glasses wearers stay safe soon.”

Jason Bradbury said: “I am impressed at the speed that Jag has managed to create the Conker Visor and has created a solution for the 1000s of glasses wearers who have been struggling with existing masks and shields.

“As a glasses wearer myself, I have been glad to help testing out and trying the visor.”

Andy Devaney, Director of Business Innovation, Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, added: “Throughout this pandemic we have seen many businesses innovate and change.

“It is great that Jag has managed to apply his skills to help the NHS through this difficult time.

“We’re proud to have helped Jag access the support he needed to get his product ready to launch and be involved in the NHS supply chain.”