A group of children from Belarus affected by the Chernobyl disaster have this month attended the Optical Express clinic in Maidstone for free eye tests.
The seven children have been staying with families in the town as part of a four week break to enjoy local activities and attend medical appointments, which are limited in their home country.
The visit was set up by practice manager Marie Chapman in partnership with the charity Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. The children received cakes and a goody bag as well as a comprehensive eye test. Chapman said: ‘This will be the fourth year Optical Express has supported Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline’s fantastic cause. We want every child to feel valued and cared for, and we look forward to our ongoing work with the charity.’
Gwen Wood, a spokesperson at Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, said: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with Optical Express for another year, to help the children who potentially suffer from medical illnesses and vision impairments as a result of this fallout. It is important every child has the right to healthcare and this continued support will make a huge difference to the children’s lives.’