A Sussex optometrist has set his sights on helping people in India solve their vision problems.

Robert Petrarca will spend 17 days in India from January 25 testing, diagnosing and prescribing glasses to people who otherwise would not have access to them.

Mr Petrarca, 22, of Marine Avenue, Hove, will be taking part in a project organised by the charity Vision Aid Overseas.

Stores like Vision Express collect unwanted and used spectacles at branches throughout Britain. The glasses are then refurbished and the lenses tested and sent out to developing countries.

Optometrists and other volunteers travel the world offering people a chance of better sight.

Mr Petrarca said: "These people either don't have people to test their sight or can't afford glasses and this scheme gives them the chance to have spectacles.

"It's simple and has such a good outcome. We also train people to carry out basic testing."

Mr Petrarca works for Vision Express in Churchill Square shopping centre, Brighton, and in another branch in Crawley. The company is sponsoring his trip.

Unwanted spectacles can be donated to Vision Aid Overseas by taking them into Vision Express in Brighton.

There will be another trip later in the year.