Local optician set for testing time in Africa
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Stephen Vandevyver from McCandless Opticians in Ballyclare who will shortly be heading off to Africa to test eyes with his office colleagues, Claire McLaughlin, Natalie Brown, Laura McIlroy and Sam King.
A BALLYCLARE optician will travel to Malawi later this year on an amazing mission that will see him test over 500 people's eyes in a remote village which has no access to facilities such as this.
Stephen Vandevyver who works in McCandless Opticians in Ballyclare, was inspired to travel to Africa after listening to his friend who had been a missionary there for over 15 years.
Stephen will leaving for Malawi on Monday 24th November for 2 weeks where he will be staying in the village of Farakala, a small remote village that has no running water and a very limited electricity supply.
At present he is currently involved in a round of fundraising to help him raise the £3,000 that it will cost to get him there and carry out the testing. It costs around £6 to test a pair of eyes and provide them with glasses.
A company called Vision Aid Overseas will provide the glasses, thanks to second hand donations.
As part of Stephen's fundraising efforts, the staff of McCandless will be joining him on a sponsored climb up Slieve Donard on Sunday 14th September.
Speaking to the Gazette, Stephen said:
“I am very excited and looking forward to my trip immensely. I really can't wait as it will be a fantastic challenge, it is nice to be in a career where I am in a position to help others and I am really excited to be able to help in whatever way I can.
“I would like to thank the people who have helped to raise over £150 through donating money in the shop, it is wonderful to have the people of Ballyclare behind me."
Anyone who would like to contribute to Stephen's fundraising can do so by calling into McCandless Opticians, North End.
