Chernobyl Children Come To Torquay
A GROUP of youngsters from Chernobyl has been invited to a local opticians on Wednesday 13 April to receive free sight tests and glasses.
Some 25 years after the 1986 nuclear power disaster, staff at Specsavers in Torquay will host eight children visiting from Korosten, Ukraine, a town near Chernobyl which remains contaminated with radiation. As well as testing their eyesight, the eye examinations will also provide a comprehensive health check to ensure the children have no underlying health issues.
Sue Wyeth, spokesperson for the charity Chernobyl Children, says: ‘Although the children really enjoy the adventure of being in a different country the main purpose of the visit is to improve their health. Just a month in the UK improves their immune system so much that it takes two years to return to the previous levels.’
Joy Filon, store director of Specsavers in Torquay, says: ‘We’re delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of these children. Regular eye checks are an important part of a healthcare routine and access to eyecare is not available for the children in their home town. The radiation they’re subjected to increases the chances of contracting illnesses such as cataracts which would go undetected without an eye examination.’
The visit will occur at the beginning of the children’s month-long trip to the area and any treatment done by Specsavers will be completely free of charge. The children will also have an appointment with a dentist to ensure their oral hygiene is at a good level.
