Optometrist fundraises after family affected by kidney disease

Stoker of Buxton Optometrists has raised £1,190 to support Kidneys For Life through a series of fundraising events while creating awareness of eye examinations.

Abigail West, optometrist at the Derbyshire independent, led fundraising after her 15-year-old son Christopher was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease 18 months ago.

Abnormalities were identified on Christopher’s optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans and headaches he experienced were later explained by exceptionally high blood pressure.

After diagnosis, Christopher underwent dialysis sessions and received a kidney donation in February from his father, Paul. Abigail said everyone at the optical practice supported her family and wanted to give back to their local kidney charity.