Specsavers donation for students

The Scottish region of the multiple Specsavers has donated a total of 20 trial frames to Glasgow Caledonian University’s (GCU) Optics Society.

The frames, worth £180 each, will be taken on the students’ annual Phelophepa Train of Hope trip, during which they test the sight of those in need.

The Phelophepa Train of Hope is a mobile healthcare unit that travels across South Africa offering medical services, including sight tests, to people living in impoverished rural areas.

Annually, 50 third year GCU students spend two weeks in the train’s eye clinic performing sight tests and screening people for eye diseases.

Specsavers regional chair representative and optometry director at Sauchiehall in Glasgow, Sarah Freel said: “The work that the Phelophepa Train of Hope carries out by providing those in need with critical healthcare services is truly remarkable.”

Thanking Specsavers for the donation, president of the GCU Optics Society, said: “I would like to thank Specsavers yet again for their incredibly generous donation to equip the students on their upcoming trip to South Africa. Having more trial frames means volunteers are able to get through and help more patients than before, throughout the day.”