Search

VCHP to be given fundraising boost by independent practice

Perspective Optometrists, in north London, will donate £40 from every private eye examination carried out in February to the eye care charity

LM Rupal lead

A north London optometry practice will donate £40 from every private eye examination to Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) throughout February.

Perspective Optometrists, in Belsize Park, has been designating February its ‘fundraising month’ for the past five years.

Optometrist and owner, Rupal Shah (pictured), explained that the practice selects a different charity each year, and that the initiative has been well received by patients, some of whom have booked a sight test that they might otherwise have put off.

“It has created a lot of goodwill as our patients like the fact that we are supporting a charity that they can relate to,” she said.

Shah added: “VCHP has been on my radar for some time, boosted by an awareness that more people are struggling. I was impressed to learn that the charity is run largely by donations and grants.”

The fundraising initiative will be boosted by inclusion in the practice’s newsletter, Shah said.

Aside from the practice’s regular fundraising, Shah has also taken part in Vision Aid Overseas trips to countries in Africa and Asia.

VCHP general manager, David Brown, said: “We have a terrific group of supporters, but this is a fresh idea and one that could be so easily replicated around the country.

“We are very grateful to Rupal – not just for the funds that she will raise, but also for promoting awareness of our charity.”