Member Article

Edmonton teenage cancer survivor reopens Wood Green optician

A teenage eye cancer survivor from Edmonton was guest of honour at the Vision Express Wood Green store as it unveiled the results of its new refit.

Winchmore School student Theo Sergiou, 15, was invited in his role as an ambassador for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) to perform a ribbon cutting, officially declaring the store open.

CHECT is a nominated charity of Vision Express and raises awareness of a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma, also known as Rb. Around 50 to 60 cases of Rb are diagnosed each year and while 90% of those diagnosed will survive, they may face having an eye removed.

Theo, who is currently studying for his GCSEs, was first diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both his eyes when he was just two months old. He received intensive lifesaving chemotherapy, which unfortunately left him blind in his left eye and with limited vision in his right.

Although Theo’s tumours cannot be removed and he still has regular check-ups, he is both a keen sports player and drama enthusiast. He has never let his vision impairment or cancer battle stand in the way of him leading an action-packed life, and last year, Theo was presented with a CHECT Champion award in recognition of his bravery.

Theo and his mum, Andria Sergiou, were welcomed by store manager Christos Christou and the rest of the Wood Green store team, who have over 17 years of combined optical experience with Vision Express.

Christos said: “Retinoblastoma is a condition we at Vision Express are very passionate to raise the profile of, so it was great to have Theo with us to celebrate our reopening in his role as CHECT ambassador.

“This refit has been eagerly awaited so we’re delighted to present our revamped facilities to the local community. We had a fantastic day celebrating and our newly refurbished store will allow us to continue to provide current and new customers with the thorough and personal service Vision Express prides itself on.”

Vision Express has enjoyed an award-winning partnership with the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) since 2010, using initiatives to raise awareness and drive donations for the charity, so they can help more families affected by retinoblastoma.

It was the first optician in the UK to roll out a protocol to ensure a quick and effective referral if retinoblastoma is suspected. Employees and customers of Vision Express have raised around £300,000 since the partnership was forged and recently presented a cheque for £45,000 to the charity.

Vision Express offers an eye test to best practice guidelines of the College of Optometrists (COO), with each Vision Express optometrist being a qualified eye health professional. To book an eye test at the Wood Green store call 020 8889 8245, visit 133 High Rd, Wood Green, London N22 6BB or make an online enquiry

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vision Express .