Horsham rugby youngster gets vision boost

George Palmer, 15, is benefiting from top of the range lenses that enable the Horsham under-16s player to reach his full potential.

George said: “It has improved my game quite a lot really.

“It is helpful. My eyes don’t get irritable so I can focus more on my game, and I think I’m playing better.

“Before, they would dry out and it is irritable after 50 minutes of playing rugby, and now it is fine through the whole 70 minutes.”

Vision Express, which has a store in West Street, Horsham, has recently agreed a sponsorship deal with Horsham Rugby Union Football Club for the 2013-14 season.

This has enabled the opticians to provide George with a year’s supply of Acuvue Moist contact lenses.

Store partner Maire Bowers said: “It’s really important for George to be safe whilst he is playing rugby, and his contact lenses will help him achieve better all round vision, as well as protect his eyes from the UVA and UVB rays.

“Removing your glasses gives you a completely new look and provides greater freedom for sports and outdoor activities.

“You also don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your frames.”

She added: “We are pleased to see that George’s vision is at its best.”

A recent report from independent optician support group Sight Care revealed that, of 1,500 young sportspeople surveyed, 16 per cent could not clearly see their team mates.

In addition, almost a fifth struggled to see the ball.

Craig Boswell, George’s coach for Horsham under-16s, added: “George is a great sportsman and I’m sure the lenses will enhance his performance.

“This sponsorship from Vision Express is a fantastic opportunity.

“It’s great for local businesses to be involved in the future of not only Horsham Rugby Club but Horsham’s sportspeople of the future.”

Claire Palmer, George’s mother, said: “It really helps him to focus on the game, and not worry about his glasses.”