A FAMILY-run opticians has been praised for its charity work.

Wade Opticians received a gold award from Optometry Giving Sight, after raising £300 in the charity’s 2013 World Sight Day Challenge.

The organisation helps people with sight problems in poor countries around the world.

Wade patients at branches in Durham City and Lanchester were invited to make donations, which the firm promised to match.

Managing director Alastair Wade said: “There are more than 600 million people around the world who are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to the eye examination and glasses they need.

“We would like to thank all our customers who made a donation; they really have helped transform the lives of many people.”

The firm also donates second-hand glasses to the charity.