Eight-year partnership reaches £600k donation

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), which supports families of children who have been diagnosed with eye cancer, has paid tribute to Vision Express for its ongoing fundraising as its donations reach £600,000.

Vision Express has supported the CHECT since 2010, working to raise awareness of retinoblastoma (Rb).

Alongside fundraising challenges such as Ride4Sight, skydives, marathons, raffles and an annual Christmas quiz, the multiple has worked to educate its patients about the sight-threatening condition and raise awareness of the importance of eye tests.

Vision Express has appointed young ambassadors who have Rb to visit its practices across the UK, as well as to open new stores.

Chief executive of the CHECT, Patrick Tonks, said: “I was amazed when I first found out the total amount raised. We really wouldn’t have been able to help so many children and families over the last eight years without Vision Express’ support – fewer people would be aware of the signs and symptoms of Rb and so it would be more difficult for some people to get an early diagnosis. From everyone at CHECT and from all the families we work with, a massive thank you goes to Vision Express.”

Earlier this month Vision Express presented CHECT with a cheque for £46,000 from the donations it has pledged in the last 12 months.

Commenting on the partnership, director of professional services at Vision Express, Dan McGhee, said: “Our relationship with CHECT is extremely special to us. Vision Express was the first optician in the UK to roll out a protocol to ensure a quick and effective referral if Rb is suspected. We know how important it is for children affected to get specialist care without delay. Thanks to our education programme and fundraising, we’re proud to know we make a difference to families who face such a devastating diagnosis.”