Retford opticians to go the extra mile for charity

Optical assistants Amy Barlow, Gill Mitson, Collette Morris and Sophie Green will be taking on the challenge along with Maddie Jones (optical assistant apprentice), Aimee Vernon-Mead (store manager), Lynda Williamson (aftercare manager) and store director Janet Archer. In keeping with the spirit of their fundraising efforts and their combined enthusiasm they will be donning either fancy dress or the most over the top sports kit they can find.

Retail director at Specsavers Retford, James Hardwick, said: "The team are really up for the challenge and are hoping to see lots of our customers and people from the Bassetlaw community in store on the day to cheer them on. Anyone who would like to get involved, give us a cheer or some words of encouragement can pop in and make a donation to support the cause.

"We’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who has donated so far, and I’d like to say thank you to Amy and Maddie from the team who’ve done a brilliant job organising the event. Diabetes UK is an incredible charity, and we’re proud to be able to support the valuable work it does with this event – it’s also a great way to show our support for our colleague Lynda who has Type 1 diabetes."

In addition, there is a raffle in-store where in return for a donation, there’s an opportunity to win a whole host of goodies. The prizes all have a specific focus on health and wellbeing and have been generously donated by fellow Retford businesses including a yoga session from The Complete Studio, a PT training session and both a £100 Specsavers voucher and a voucher for a free eye test from the store. The team have so far raised almost over £100 but are hoping to exceed their £500 target both through donations in store and via their JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/retfordspecsavers-1725993266952

As part of their National Eye Health Week activity, alongside the fundraising efforts, the in-store team will be highlighting the warning signs in your eyes that could indicate diabetes, the importance of monitoring any changes in your vision and getting them checked out by your optometrist.

Priyen Kotcha, optometrist director at Specsavers Retford explains: "Diabetes can affect your eyes in many ways and, for some people, it can lead to diabetic retinopathy which, if not treated in time, can lead to sight loss. In its early stages the condition usually doesn’t pose any noticeable symptoms, so an eye test can pick it up before you do so we recommend that everyone has their eyes tested once every two years, or more often if recommended by your optometrist.

"Some of the warning signs we can look out for to help detect the condition include persistent floaters and blurred vision. You’re more at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy if you have had diabetes for a long time, have a persistently high blood sugar level, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are pregnant or are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean background. By keeping your blood pressure, sugar levels and cholesterol levels down you can help reduce your risk," concludes Priyen.

Diabetes affects 4.9 million people in the UK and more people than ever are at risk. According to Diabetes UK it is estimated that 13.6 million people are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes and 850,000 are currently living with the condition but are yet to be diagnosed. However, if left untreated it can cause damage to the heart, feet, kidneys as well as our eyes, which in extreme cases can lead to vision loss.

To find out more or to arrange an appointment visit the store at 10a Market Place, Retford DN22 6DR, www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/retford or call 01777 711711.