Volunteer optometrists, dispensing opticians and students are being sought after to lend a hand screening athletes at the Special Olympics in July.

Both optometrists and students have been manning an Opening Eyes Programme held during the sporting event since the national games were launched in 2001. In the past the week-long event has taken place in Cardiff and Glasgow (pictured). This year it will be held at the Walkers Stadium, Leicester from July 25-31.

Volunteers will be split into two teams; the first completing training on July 25 and screening for three days from July 26 to July 28, whilst the second team will receive training on July 28 and take over screening on July 29-31.

Speaking about volunteering, a spokeswoman for the programme told OT: “This screening provides the best service to the athletes and is very rewarding to the volunteers. I hope practitioners will consider giving their time to this worthy cause, especially optometrists local to Leicester.”

Those interested in getting involved with the programme should contact Caroline Hurst on 01480 406002.

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• Essilor supports the Special Olympics - 11/06/2009

Anon
April 28th, 2009
Can I suggest that you both contact Caroline on 01480 406002.

manisha patel
April 27th, 2009
I would like to help with the above but in the later dates.

Melvyn Jackson
April 24th, 2009
I wondered if I may be of any use screening; I am a 60 yr old optometrist who retired five years ago following a stroke?