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5 min read

Supporting Guide Dogs UK

Group of community members and Guide Dogs volunteers posing outside an optician practice with guide dogs and fundraising displays during a charity event

The team at our Calne practice were pleased to host an open day, featuring a raffle and cake sale in support of Guide Dogs UK. Organised by team members Emma, Jo and Hazel, the event welcomed members of the Calne community throughout the day.

It was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the vital work that guide dogs do for individuals with sight loss, while also engaging with the local community, and selling lots of delicious cakes!

We were delighted to meet so many people who took the time to learn more about Guide Dogs UK, ask questions and make generous donations. Thanks to the support of the Calne community, we raised £269.45, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the charity to support its nationwide mission.

Meeting the Guide Dogs

The highlight of the day was meeting some of the guide dogs themselves: Freddie, Major, Lisa, and Acorn. These wonderful dogs, two of which were puppies in training, demonstrated exactly why they are such an incredible asset to the people they support. Calm, attentive, and friendly, they helped illustrate the life-changing impact of guide dog partnerships in a very tangible way.

A retired golden retriever Guide Dog

The Role of Guide Dogs UK

Guide Dogs UK is a national charity that provides support, training, and mobility solutions for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Their work includes breeding and training guide dogs, delivering mobility training and campaigning for accessibility and inclusion. The cost of training a single guide dog is significant, and ongoing care and support make community fundraising events like ours essential.

 Yellow Labrador ambassador dog in vest at Guide Dogs charity stall
Black and yellow Labrador guide dogs greeting each other beside Guide Dogs volunteer

A Moment to Reflect on Eye Health

Speaking with the Guide Dogs team and meeting the guide dogs themselves serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of eye care and early intervention in vision problems.

Many causes of sight loss, including glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, can be managed more effectively when detected early. Regular eye examinations are key, not only for updating prescriptions but for monitoring overall eye health and identifying early signs of more serious conditions.

Across the Haine & Smith practices, we’re committed to supporting both vision health and the broader community of people affected by sight loss.

Thank You!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, donated and supported our open day!

For more information about eye care services or to find out how to support Guide Dogs UK, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Haine & Smith practice.

Haine & Smith team and Guide Dogs volunteers at a charity bake sale fundraiser with two guide dogs in training
Written on
July 9, 2025
Published on
22 January 2021