Two eye care professionals travelled to South Africa, to provide free eye care at a care home.

Optometrist Hannah Shooter (pictured) and dispensing optician Peter Herniman, who practise at Pinders Opticians — which has bases in Mansfield, New Ollerton, Warsop and Southwell — went to Lilyhaven residential care home in Cape Town as part of an initiative organised by lens manufacturer Nikon Optical.

Hannah and Peter joined a specially-selected group of opticians to perform visual screening for the elderly residents, all of whom require full-time assistance and care.

In South Africa, there are less than 300 optometrists available in the public sector for a population of 41 million people.

The Pinders team checked the health of people’s eyes and vision, referring them on for treatment if required.

“It’s very sad to know that there are millions of people in the world who have curable sight loss,” said Peter.

“We had to refer most of the residents to a list for cataract surgery.

“I am pleased they are in the system.

“However, it will take them at least a year of waiting to get their cataracts treated.”

“Eye care and especially state-funded eye care, is extremely hard to come by in South Africa.

“I am pleased we made a difference.”