A PEEBLES optometrist will face a unique personal challenge to raise funds for partially sighted people.

Linda Quinn of Higgins Opticians will spend Sunday, October 30 doing everyday tasks at home while wearing glasses which simulate varying degrees of sight loss.

Simple tasks like shopping, cooking, helping her children with homework, or going for a walk with her family, can be very different for people with sight loss. Linda will be documenting her challenges over the course of the day.

The funds raised will go towards 'talking' books for the blind and partially sighted.

Linda said: "It is fantastic to be involved in Peebles Community RNIB Talking Book. Peebles is one of the strongest communities I have known and I am proud to be part of it.

"There are so many wonderful charities and fundraising efforts in Peebles but, being an optometrist, it is my job to look after people's ocular health and to achieve the very best vision for them.

"This project will give me a chance to experience the practical impacts of sight loss. Whilst this can never replicate the emotional side of losing one's sight, it will place me in scenarios which will allow me to understand everyday challenges that children and adults face on a day to day basis.

"I hope it could also allow me to help someone that either already lives with this or is perhaps facing it in their future."

Linda is hoping to raise £250 from friends, colleagues, and customers in sponsorship. 

Higgins Opticians on the town's High Street already has a Talking Books window display, a collection box for donations, and is inviting customers to give £1 for every pair of glasses purchased. 

Over 180,000 people in Scotland live with significant sight loss, and every day 100 people across the UK start to lose their sight.

For over 80 years, the Talking Books service run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has been a lifeline to the outside world for its members. The free service sends out over one million books a year to blind and partially sighted adults and children in formats such as audio CD, USB and digital download.

Longstanding RNIB supporter, Lord (Julian) Fellowes, said: "I'm a big believer in the power of a good story and have seen how Talking Books can transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

"I hope that men and women across the UK will be inspired to sponsor a Talking Book and help us make the magic happen."

To donate to Linda's campaign, visit the Peebles Community Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/PeeblesCommunity.

Please note when sponsoring that dontations are made to Linda for the 'Peebles Community RNIB Talking Book'.