An optician and lab technician from Ellesmere Port travel to Ethiopia this week to give vital aid to people who don’t have access to eyecare.
Optometrist Alex Whitter and lab technician Mike Horsefield, who both work in the Ellesmere Port Specsavers store, will be travelling to villages near Hawassa to give much-needed eye tests and glasses to the locals. They aim to test at least 1,200 people.
Working with Vision Aid Overseas (VAO), they will also be helping to train optometry students at Hawassa University.
Another item on their agenda is to teach individuals to make their own glasses, to help the locals become self-sufficient and improve the level of eyecare in the area.
This will be Alex’s sixth trip with the charity, and he is the team leader of the group, which consists of five optometrists from all over the UK. Mike will be glazing and dispensing the glasses.
The visit will be Matt’s first VAO trip to Ethiopia and he is being sponsored by Specsavers.
Store director Robbie Byrne said: “It’s heart-warming to see the enthusiasm the group have. They are determined to help people who are less fortunate.
“In the UK, infections and other problems with eyes can be spotted and treated quickly, but in the developing world people who have no access to that kind of healthcare are at risk. Untreated eye infections can lead to blindness and even be fatal in some cases.
“People’s lives can be destroyed by failing sight. This trip really has the chance to make a difference, and I wish the team the best of luck.”
The group will take glasses that have been donated by the people of Ellesmere Port to give to the locals.
Anyone wishing to donate old specs can drop them off in-store to be sent to Vision Aid Overseas.
The trip will run from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 15.
