The world’s thinnest specs
THE Body Doctor in Denby Dale are specialists in eye care. But they also market the world’s thinnest reading glasses.
The family-run company are experts in eyelid hygiene, tackling conditions such as dry eye disease and associated symptoms including sore, tired or gritty eyes.
The company, based on the Denby Dale Industrial Estate, was set up in 2012 and four years later won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.
Sue Grant and sons Adam and Sam Wymer run the company and Eye Doctor products are distributed around the world. The range of products treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Blepharitis and Dry Eye Disease.
Compresses heated in the microwave or a conventional oven are patented and offer a unique antibacterial shield bound to fibres of compress fabric, killing 99.9% of bacteria.
The company works closely with Dr Hilary Jones, GP and medical broadcaster on Good Morning Britain for many years. Dr Hilary assists with any general medical advice and is featured on the Eye Doctor range.
Last year, the company partnered with a United States-based company, manufacturers of the world’s thinnest reading glasses and sunglasses – ThinOptics.
ThinOptics fit on the back of a mobile phone, inside a keyring, in a wallet or attach to laptops or tablets. At only 4mm thick and weighing less than a 10p coin, you need never go searching for your reading glasses again!
New out are sunglasses – or Suns – which are polarised sunglasses made from flexible titanium.
The glasses come in a variety of styles, colours and prescriptions and also come in the world’s thinnest case.
Last year also saw the company partner with another US based firm to launch ‘NuLids,’ a portable handheld device to treat severe dry eye symptoms.
The growing company now employs more than 20 people.
HUDDERSFIELD respite holiday charity for families of sick children has received a cash boost from a housebuilder.
Ruddi’s Retreat received a £1,000 donation from the Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire’s Community Champions scheme to help give 500 families a coastal holiday.
The charity, which provides free holidays to families affected by bereavement and other lifelimited illness, was set up by a mother whose son underwent cancer treatment and experienced the benefits of a family break during the difficult times, with minimal financial cost.
Vicki Green, from Ruddi’s Retreat, said: “We provide much needed respite to families who need to regain their strength physically, mental and emotionally.
“We currently have four caravans on the east coast and 240 families booked to stay for a week.
“Our goal is to be able to fund 500 holidays and Persimmon Homes’ donation is a huge boost for helping us to achieve this target.”
Simon Whalley, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “We are extremely proud to be supporting a charity that provides such a valuable service to families who are going through or are recovering from such traumatic experiences.
“As a company we are committed to supporting community groups and organisations that make a real difference to local people – just like this one.
“If people have been unsuccessful in their Community Champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and try again. Hopefully they will become our next winner.”
Organisations can apply for match funding by completing a simple online form at www. persimmonhomes.com/charity