A small team of explorers, including an optometrist from Cardiff, reached the South Pole on January 24 after a journey on skis of 57 days.
Cameron Hudson, a vision researcher from Cardiff University, skied over 700 miles to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, the International Glaucoma Association and the RNIB. After achieving his goal, Hudson said: 'To know that our efforts have benefited others made reaching the pole a very fulfilling experience.'
As reported by Optician in October, 27-year-old Hudson was also monitoring the effects of 24-hour UV light on the levels of the hormone melatonin in his body during the polar summer to better understand its link to glaucoma. Cameron revealed that although the data he collected is currently being analysed, the 24-hour daylight dramatically reduced the amount of sleep he needed to feel rested.
After completing his epic journey, Hudson flew to Chile where he took his first shower in two and a half months, before returning to the UK. He said: 'Returning home to my friends and family and celebrating a belated Christmas was what I had been looking forward to the most.'
? For more details, go to: www.visionsouthpole.org