EYECARE in Zambia is soon to receive a boost thanks to a generous member of staff from Specsavers.

Emma White, 24, who is a contact lens and dispensing optician at the store, in Regent Street, will be heading to Zambia on September 28 with Vision Aid Overseas.

She will be helping to set up a vision centre in a small village where there is currently no eyecare available. She will be taking glazing equipment with her and teaching local people how to use it.

To help fund Emma’s trip, the store held a fundraising day on Saturday.

Emma and fellow colleague, Debbie Fairfoull, wore traditional dress while the rest of the staff were paid not to wear their uniforms.

Customers had the chance to take part in a lucky dip, a raffle and ‘guess the name of the teddy bear’ and ‘guess the number of sweets in a jar’ competitions. All the money raised will go to helping fund Emma’s trip Emma said: “I’ve been wanting to do this trip with VAO for two years so I’m thrilled to finally be going.

“It’s fantastic that the store is helping me to raise the money I need to get out there and I’m very grateful for their support.

“We’ll be carrying out free eye examinations as well as dispensing the pairs of specs I will be taking with me. To be able to use my expertise to help people that don’t usually have access to eyecare will be a great feeling and I’m sure the trip will be a fantastic experience.”

David Grieves, store director at Specsavers in Swindon, said: “This is a great opportunity for Emma and we’re all behind her 100 per cent.”

For more information or to make a donation, pop into the store at 62-63 Regent Street, Swindon, SN1 1JS, call 01793 617858, or visit specsavers.co.uk/swindon