Most Ethiopians go their entire lives without an eye test or wearing glasses - something New Malden and Worcester Park optometrist David Hollander is hoping to change, after he raised more than £1,300 to develop an optical workshop in the country.
Mr Hollander, who has Dollond and Aitchison practices in New Malden and Worcester Park, held a raffle to raise the cash before heading out to Ethiopia to install equipment and train staff at the Menlik II Hospital, Addis Ababa.
The workshop will allow bespoke spectacles to be produced for each patient’s prescription at an affordable price - a facility which was sorely lacking before the optometrist stepped in.
The project was completed as part of the work of Vision Aid Overseas, an international non-governmental organisation which provides primary eye healthcare facilities and training throughout the developing world.
As little as £3 can pay an eye test and spectacles for a child in a developing country. For more information visit vao.org.uk.
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