AN EYE cancer survivor was the guest of honour at the official opening of an opticians.

Karl Wane, 33, unveiled Vision Express’ refurbished eye-health facilities alongside mum Anne Blinston and store manager Clare Raynes at the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre in Leigh.

Mr Wane, who is from Wigan, was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma in the early 1980s and was representing the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), a charity partner of Vision Express.

He said: “I was really pleased to be part of the day and to help raise awareness of the work of CHECT.”

The store’s opening marks it becoming part of the Vision Express family, following the company’s acquisition of Conlons Opticians, which traded in Leigh for 38 years.

Vision Express regional manager Clare Raynes, said: “We are really grateful to Karl and his mum Anne for taking the time to help us officially open our new store.

“We’d also like to thank all our customers for their patience while the store has been closed during refurbishment. We hope they are thrilled with the comfort and first class facilities of our revised store.”

“We look forward to continuing to provide a first class eye care service to the people of Leigh.”