Not content to spend their annual holidays lazing about, Bowral husband and wife eye-care practitioners Grant and Thao Hannaford have their sights firmly set on working in Mongolia in the new year.
After spending an eye-opening two weeks helping improve the sight of thousands of Mongolia's poor earlier this year, the couple - from Hannaford Eyewear - are finalising preparations for an ambitious return trip in May.
In a world first, on their last trip, optometrist Thao and optical dispenser Grant were part of an independent group of 23 who undertook free optical health screening and treatment in schools and orphanages in Mongolia.
Since returning in June, Grant and Thao have been appealing to their suppliers, local training institutes and the local community to donate unused, end-of-line or outdated lenses and frames for them to give to Mongolia's poor.
And they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received.
[Full story: SHN, Friday, December 30, 2005]
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