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15 August 2005 Optician

Ricketts recognised by Rotary

Ricketts recognised by Rotary

A Staffordshire dispensing optician has received an award from her local Rotary club for charitable work in the developing world with Vision Aid Overseas.
The Cannock Rotary Club surprised Beverley Ricketts from Rudgeley, Staffordshire, with the Service above Self Award at a dinner where she was scheduled to speak and explain the work of VAO.
The award is given to members of the community who go beyond the call of duty to help others by offering 'practical hands-on relief in areas of the world fraught with conflict and disease'.
'Beverley is a fine example of a citizen who puts service into humanity above self and we are delighted to honour her in recognition of her commitment to VAO,' said The Rotary Club.
Ricketts, who has been on five projects in the developing world in Uganda, India and Ethiopia said: 'It was a very great surprise and a very great honour and a lovely evening.'

Explaining Einstein's theory proves novel way to raise £1,200 for charity

A Vision Aid Overseas member has raised £1,200 for the charity by sharing his thoughts on Einstein's theory of relativity.
John Ferguson, who joined VAO in 2003, sold copies of an essay he had written to explain the famous scientist's theory to friends and family in Cambridge.
'I have seen the problems VAO is dealing with first hand,' he said. 'In Nigeria the number of school pupils unable to learn simply because they do not have spectacles is unbelievable. I would encourage everybody to support VAO and help them try to meet this challenge.'
Ferguson is confident he can raise more funds from his work. 'I have now given my essay to VAO and they have copies that they can send out to any interested parties for a minimum donation of £10. Anybody who reads this should immediately contact the office.'
Donations can be made by credit or debit card by calling: 01293 535016. The charity added that John was not a scientist and the five-page long essay was purely Ferguson's attempt to explain relativity to other 'non-physicists'.
<E075> For further information about VAO contact: www.vao.org.uk

Mark of loyalty

Managing optometrist Richard Fowle marked his retirement from Batemans opticians in Tunbridge Wells at a lunch with his wife and chairman Nicholas Bateman.
Fowle originally ran his own opticians in Tunbridge Wells, started by his father, before joining Batemans in 1988.
One of his loyal patients
at Batemans had his prescription written on the back of a cigarette packet by the optical group's founder, Geoffrey Bateman, while they were prisoners of war together in 1943.

REM tunes in to European needs

To mark its continued expansion in the European market, REM eyewear has hired Cecile Gueriau as director of European sales. Gueriau will explore new distribution opportunities and support and grow REM's key account business.
'Cecile has an impressive background in optical sales, which makes her an ideal fit for this position,' said REM executive vice president Steve Horowitz. 'Her thorough understanding of the European market will help us to better respond to the needs of that unique market.'
French-born Gueriau has worked in the optical industry for over a decade. Most recently she was European sales manager for Viva Eyewear where she managed key accounts, distribution and joint ventures. Prior to that she opened a subsidiary for French-based Logo SA when she relocated in the UK.