STAFF at a Newport opticians are raising money for a project which will see one of their colleagues fly out to Africa to help improve people's eyesight.

Cash raised by staff at the Specsavers store on Newport's High Street will go towards glasses, treatment and surgeries in Uganda where their colleague Ryan Holder will go on Friday.

Mr Holder, 20, will take part in the Vision 4 Africa project along with a group of four students from the optometry department at Cardiff University and two supervisors.

He will spend two and a half weeks volunteering at the Benedictine Eye Hospital in Tororo, Uganda, helping in refraction clinics and taking part in an outreach programme, travelling to surrounding villages to educate school teachers about how to spot eye problems early.

"I know the trip is going to be hard work, but I can’t wait to get out there and get going," said Mr Holder, who has already raised £1,200 to pay for his flights.

"There is an especially high rate of glaucoma in developing countries, so I hope I can help as many people as possible."

Jason Williams, director at Specsavers Newport, said: "We’re delighted to support such a fantastic programme. The whole team here are really behind Ryan and we want to raise as much money as possible to help provide eyecare for people who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

"This trip will also be great for Ryan’s development, and I’m sure he will do a fantastic job out there."