Our aim at Specsavers is to make a positive difference. Our chosen charity this year is UKIST.

We are aiming to raise £3000 and your donations will be greatly appreciated. We will be raising money through various events both in and out of store.

Events so far:

- snowdon sunrise walk 

- Charles coronation cake sale 

- luxury charity hamper 

- more to be announced!

By supporting UKIST, you will make a real difference. Below is some information of why we have chosen to support this charity.

Hi - My name is Nguyen Nguyen but I am more commonly known as Nina. I am a diabetic eye screener and trainee dispensing optician. My son got diagnosed with Infantile Spasms when he was shy of 6 months old. I was very scared at that moment as the doctors in A&E did not know what it was to start with. IS was very easily mistaken for startle reflex or shudder syndrome (which is benign). 

UKIST was mine and his saving grace at that moment in time, as they provided me with enormous help and support. It was due to them that I could be persistent (to the point of annoying) to pursue the diagnosis for my son, leading to correct treatment in due time, as the longer IS is left untreated, the more detrimental the damage to the brain. 

As it is a very rare epileptic form of seizure, I hope through this fundraising, not only we can spread the awareness of this damaging condition, but also the trust can offer more support to families like mine, and push through more campaigns for treatments in the UK.

The charity offers a lifeline to anxious parents via its online community, and works alongside medical professionals to raise awareness of this little-known condition.