A SOUTH Wales home visits optical service has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a charity fundraiser, raising more than £1,000 in the process.
Since 2014, Specsavers Home Visits Gwent has delivered vital domiciliary eye care to thousands of individuals across South Wales who qualify for NHS-funded eye tests and are unable to leave their homes due to physical or mental health needs.
The 18-strong team is led by optometrist directors Katie James and Amy Pronger, with more than 45 years’ optical experience between them.
To mark this milestone, the team embarked on a ‘10k for 10 years’ sponsored walk on 19 October, raising more than £1,000 for the Pembrokeshire Young Onset Dementia Group.
This cause is especially close to the team, as two members have seen their fathers benefit from the charity’s support. The charity not only provides essential services for individuals affected by young onset dementia but also offers respite for carers, giving families the opportunity to recharge while their loved ones are cared for in a supportive environment.
Alex Kirk, a member of the Home Visits team, added a playful touch to the event by wearing a flamingo suit during the walk, a promise he made if they exceeded their initial fundraising target of £250. The team comfortably surpassed their target, raising over £700 by the day of the walk and has now reached an impressive total of £1,045. Plans are underway for a special presentation of a ‘big cheque’ to the charity once all donations are received.
Katie James, optometrist director at Specsavers Home Visits Gwent, says: “Our team is so proud to reach this milestone and even prouder to support a cause that means so much to us. We’re committed to making eye care accessible to everyone, particularly those in our community who need it most. This fundraiser is a small way to support local charities making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Specsavers’ Home Visits carry out comprehensive free eye tests in the home for people who qualify for an NHS-funded eye test and are unable to leave their home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness or disability.
Those wishing to support the fundraising efforts for the Pembrokeshire Young Onset Dementia Group can donate through the Specsavers Home Visits JustGiving link here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/specsavers-homevisits?utm_term=YwYyQgZAn
To find out more about Specsavers Home Visits, visit their website.
