Testing Belarus children

An independent in Beccles has provided free eye examinations to a group of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster.

Attending Observatory the Opticians, the 11 children were visiting the UK for a month as part of a project established by Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. The charity aims to bring children from Belarus to the UK for one month each year – the time it is estimated that it takes for the radiation to get out of their system. The one-month detox can add a potential two years to their lives.

More than 30 years on from the 1986 nuclear power plant disaster, the area is still affected by radiation.

Observatory the Opticians has been involved in the initiative for the past four years and has provided eye exams to more than 40 children from Belarus.

When in the UK the children visit healthcare professionals, including the opticians.

Senior optometrist at Observatory the Opticians, Rene Moor, who carried some of the eye examinations, said: “This is the fourth year we have helped with this initiative and we are delighted to be involved. The children are so polite and grateful, and for many this is the first time they have been to an optician so they also find the experience fascinating.

“We look forward to welcoming more children from Belarus in the future.”