Children affected by the Chernobyl disaster have seen a Stourbridge optician as part of an annual trip to the town.

During two visits to the High Street branch of Specsavers, sixteen youngsters from Belarus received free eye examinations and glasses if required.

Aimed at improving the health of youngsters who have been affected by the lingering effects of the 1986 disaster, the visits are organised by 'Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline' and are part of a series of annual trips to the UK, which ensure the children get access to vital healthcare. Jason Bridgewater, store director, said:

“The children who benefit from these trips often don’t have access to any kind of eye care, so the work of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline is really valuable for them and it was a privilege to welcome them into store for the fifth year.

“We were pleased to have sixteen youngsters visit us for free sight tests. If they need glasses, they were also able to choose a pair from our children’s collection. We often take our health services for granted in this country, but without proper eye care these children may be seriously disadvantaged in the future.”

The annual visit is part of an initiative organised by Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, which arranges respite trips to the UK for children who are affected by the legacy of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The children come from social situations that make it difficult for them to receive the care they require at home and just one visit can add two years to their life expectancy.