Devon opticians help overseas eye charity

They hope to return soon

Two Devon opticians have taken a trip away from the bustling streets of Exeter to Rwanda to help those in need.

Luke Fleming and Sophie Withers, who run Acuitis Opticians and Hearing Centre in Exeter, have spent a week working with the Fondation Héron, providing care to more than 7000 children.

The charity works to deliver eye care and hearing services to rural African communities. During their visit they completed eye examinations in 8 different primary schools.

Optometrist Sophie says. “This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. It reminded me why I chose my job in the first place, and that was to help those most in need. 

Being able to fit spectacles and watch children discover the world for the first time was magical. We were also able to arrange free transfer and hospital treatment for any children where we detected an eye disease.”

Retail director Luke agrees. “The experience puts things into perspective and is a reminder as to how lucky we are. The children we visited had so little but were so happy to share what they had. 

My favourite memory from the trip is running around on the football pitch with the kids at lunchtime, where hundreds of children were chasing a single homemade football, constructed with bags and string. 

The screams of joy and laughter were a reminder that kids are just kids no matter what continent you are on, and they all deserve the same level of care.”

“We have both fallen in love with the beautiful scenery of Rwanda and the even more beautiful people and hope we can return for another mission with the Fondation Héron in the future.”  

The trip has reinforced their commitment to helping those in need and left them with a desire to return for future missions.