Founded in 1916, Urquhart Opticians has grown into a network of 13 independent practices across the region.

The opticians has made giving back an integral part of their ethos, with the fund at the heart of these efforts.

The fund was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to support charities and community groups when traditional sponsorships and events were on pause.

With £1,000 available six times a year, the initiative invites applications via the Urquhart Opticians website.

The entire practice team then cast votes on which projects to support, often splitting the funding to benefit multiple causes.

Over the years, the initiative has provided vital support to countless charities and groups across Scotland.

Most recently, £500 was donated to Blind Panic on behalf of Dr Marsden, a patient at Urquhart's Prestwick practice.

Dr Marsden, 76, uses a guide dog and is a passionate supporter of Guide Dogs UK. She recently completed a tandem skydive to raise funds for the Blind Panic charity, which - with Urquhart's contribution - will help to reduce wait times for new guide dogs.

Another recipient, Calum's Cabin, shared how the fund helped families facing childhood cancer.

Charity spokesperson Janice McAvoy said: "The funding meant five families have £100 pocket money when they arrive for their holiday break.

"It could also help to give families who are staying at the hospital long term vouchers to buy food there as it can be very expensive.

"Every penny donated to us goes to Calum's Cabin and we are always so grateful to anyone who chooses to donate. We cannot thank Urquharts enough for this."

In 2025, the Care and Community Fund will introduce a new format, dedicating each funding cycle to a specific category, such as under-16s groups, sports clubs, food banks, and over-60s groups. The year will conclude with a Christmas toy donation drive, ensuring a diverse range of causes benefit from the initiative.

Demi Hargreaves, optical assistant at Urquharts in Prestwick, added: "Our patients and the communities we serve are at the heart of everything we do.

"The Care and Community Fund has been a fantastic way to support meaningful causes and engage with our patients while giving back to our local communities and it means a great deal to the entire team to see the difference that we're able to make."

For more information about the fund or to apply, visit urquhart-opticians.co.uk/our-story/community/care-community-fund.