AN OPTICIANS in Bridgend has marked five years of delivering high-quality eye and hearing care in the local community by raising £500 for Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity.
Specsavers Bridgend Derwen first opened its doors in February 2020, following a £250,000 investment from its directors and was the first Specsavers store in Wales to open within a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The store has three test rooms – two for optical tests and one soundproofed for audiology services – and state-of-the-art hospital grade technology, such as an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine, which can screen and help to manage conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
To raise the funds, the Specsavers Bridgend Derwen team organised a charity raffle, with prizes including a gift hamper and voucher for a free pair of glasses.
The money raised will help Marie Curie to continue providing essential support for people living with terminal illness or approaching the end of life and the people close to them. The charity also offers a range of services in Wales including the Marie Curie Hospice for Cardiff and the Vale and its Hospice Care at Home service.
In addition, it will fund the charity’s free support line and webchat, offering practical and emotional support on everything from managing symptoms and navigating care to financial information, including how to get help with energy bills, and bereavement support.
Omair Khan, optometrist director sais: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating five years at Specsavers Bridgend Derwen. It’s been a privilege to serve our community over the years and see our team grow from strength-to-strength. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
“Giving back to the community is at the heart of what we do so it’s been great to be able to celebrate this milestone anniversary by raising funds for such an important charity that does great work locally. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser.”
Marie Curie Cymru Head of Fundraising in Wales, Claire Phillips, adds: “We believe everyone deserves the best possible end of life care. We’re so grateful that Specsavers Bridgend Derwen raised these vital funds, which means we’re able to provide expert care to people who are going through the toughest times, and help a dying person to have the best possible end of life.
“If anyone in the Bridgend area wants to continue to support Marie Curie, you can join our Great Daffodil Appeal this March, by giving two hours of your time to collect – just sign up online.”
Specsavers Bridgend Derwen is open seven days a week. To find out more and book an appointment, visit the Specsavers Bridgend webpage.
Additionally, to make eye health accessible to all, the store offers a Home Visits service for those unable to leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.
