A CORNISH opticians who were recently victims of burglary have turned negative into positive by using the opportunity to raise more than £1,600 for charity.

Staff at iBuntu Opticians in Truro were shocked to find that their premises on Lemon Street had been broken into and that thieves had taken stock, electronics, and the collection tin they host for Cornwall’s sight loss charity, iSightCornwall, stolen.

Following a busy few weeks dealing with police, clean up, and receiving an outpouring of support from the Truro community, Sandhya Dharumpal - resident Optometrist and owner of iBuntu Opticians - was determined to look for a positive. When some of the iBuntu designer sunglasses stock was recovered, damaged and not able to be used by the opticians, Sandhya and the iBuntu team decided to sell them at a discounted price in aid of iSightCornwall.

iSightCornwall, who are based at Truro’s Newham Road, support blind and partially sighted people across Cornwall, whether their sight loss is recent or longstanding, sudden or gradual. Opticians will often refer their customers to iSightCornwall when their sight can no longer be improved with prescription glasses or surgery. So there was already a strong link between iBuntu and iSightCornwall.

Sandhya said: “We are very much a part of the Truro community and all the horror that an event like a burglary can bring was completely outweighed by the generosity and speed to come to our aid that we witnessed from the Truro community. It was thanks to this outpouring of support that we wanted to give something back.

“Unless you work in this world or have had the misfortune of needing their help it’s very likely that iSightCornwall are completely under your radar but their services, such as low vision clinics, assistive technology, benefits advice, and activities, all help blind and partially sighted people individuals maintain their independence.”

For one week, the team at iBuntu held their charity drive, selling the recovered sunglasses stock at a discounted price with all proceeds going to iSightCornwall.

The event launched with cupcakes topped by eye chart decorations and biscuits made in the shape of glasses and eye charts, all donated for free by local baker, Chasing Cake. iSightCornwall team member, Jodi, attended the first day and spent time talking about iSightCornwall and what the charity can offer.

iBuntu customers showed their full support and the sunglasses flew off the shelves, with some making extra donations which in total raised an incredible £1,630.

iSightCornwall chief executive Carole: said: “We are so grateful to Sandhya and the iBuntu team for choosing to support iSightCornwall; as a local charity we rely on community donations to deliver our vital services each year and so to be supported by a local opticians who we work so closely with is wonderful.

“Thank you so much to the iBuntu customers for their generosity and kindness. Every penny raised will be spent in Cornwall, helping to support someone with their sight loss journey.”