A TEAM of optical and hearing care professionals in Waltham Cross has put the community at the heart of its fundraising and support for charities, initiatives and community organisations during the first six months of 2026.
The team at Specsavers Waltham Cross completed its first fundraising event of 2026, taking part in a team 5k challenge in support of the National Autistic Society. Thanks to the generosity of customers, colleagues, friends and family, the team raised £460 for the charity.
The charity has a particularly personal connection for the store team. Esther Beach, a member of the Specsavers Waltham Cross team, chose to support the National Autistic Society after her son was diagnosed with autism a few years ago. Her family has relied on the charity for support and guidance throughout his diagnosis and beyond.
Esther says: ‘The National Autistic Society is a charity very close to my heart. My son was diagnosed with autism a few years ago and it has had a huge impact on our family life. We have relied heavily on the support and guidance the charity has provided throughout his diagnosis and with what comes next.
‘My son and I have already taken part in the charity’s annual 5k events, so when I saw that workplace challenges had been introduced this year, I knew it was something I wanted us to get involved in. The Waltham Cross team was on board straight away and has been incredibly supportive.’
As part of the fundraiser, the team challenged themselves to complete as many 5k walks as possible, collectively covering 86 kilometres.
Kainat Malik, Specsavers Waltham Cross store director, says: ‘We’re incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. Knowing how much the National Autistic Society means to Esther and her family made this challenge particularly important to us, and everyone was keen to get behind it.
‘Walking a combined 86 kilometres was a real team effort, and we’re very grateful to everyone who supported us and helped us raise £460 for the charity.’
Alongside its fundraising efforts, the locally owned and run store has also renewed its commitment to local grassroots sport by extending its existing sponsorship of Cheshunt Bowls Club for another year. This year’s sponsorship contribution totals £1,000, helping the club continue its activities and provide opportunities for members within the community.
Kainat adds: ‘We’re delighted to continue supporting Cheshunt Bowls Club, which plays an important role in bringing people together locally. Supporting organisations and causes that matter to our community is something the whole team feels strongly about, and we’re looking forward to getting involved in more initiatives throughout the year.’
The store is also working with Specsavers Home Visits Hertfordshire to help raise awareness of eye care available to people who are unable to leave their home unaccompanied due to physical or mental illness or disability. The specialist mobile team provides NHS-funded home eye tests for eligible patients across Hertfordshire, as well as parts of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
Home visits are carried out by a dedicated team of locally based optometrists and dispensing professionals using equipment specially designed for eye tests in the home, care home or sheltered accommodation. Where glasses are required, patients can also choose from a selection of frames during the visit.
The Waltham Cross team is also looking to arrange information sessions in store with the Home Visits team, helping colleagues better understand the service and how they can signpost eligible patients and families to the support available.
Kainat adds: ‘We know that getting into a store isn’t always possible for everyone, so it’s really useful for our team to understand the support that is available through the Home Visits service. We hope the information sessions will help us make sure customers and families who may benefit from the service know where to turn.’
To find out more about Specsavers Home Visits Hertfordshire or request an appointment, call 01727 227502. NHS-funded home eye tests are subject to eligibility criteria.
Customers can book appointments by visiting the store in The Pavilions Shopping Centre at 85 The Pavilions, Central Mall, Waltham Cross, EN8 7BZ, or online at www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/walthamcross. Alternatively, call the team on 01992 657 300 for optical or hearing care enquiries.
