CHILDREN still suffering the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster were invited to have their eyes tested at a Stourbridge opticians.

Thirteen youngsters from Belarus visited the town’s Specsavers branch for an eye exam and were provided with free glasses.

The visit was organised by charity Chernobyl Children Life Line which arranges respite trips to the UK for children who are affected by the legacy of the 1986 disaster.

Jason Bridgewater, Specsavers’ Stourbridge store director, said: “We’ve been helping children affected by the terrible Chernobyl nuclear disaster for four years now and they have been a pleasure to treat each time.

“Unfortunately, the majority of these children do not have access to any kind of eyecare so without visits like this, their eyesight could deteriorate and they could be severely hampered as a result.

“We gave each child an eye examination and free specs if they needed them. Having corrective glasses can make an enormous difference to their quality of life and helps improve their progress at school – simply because they can read and see everything around them.”

The children come from social situations that make it difficult for them to receive the care they require back home and one visit alone is said to add two years to their life expectancy.