Thieves Took Their Stock and Charity Tin – What This Truro Opticians Did Next Raised Over £1,600

A burglary at a Truro opticians has led to an unexpected act of generosity – raising £1,630 to support blind and partially sighted people in Cornwall.

Shocking Break-In on Lemon Street

Staff at iBuntu Opticians in Truro arrived to find their Lemon Street premises had been broken into. Thieves had taken electronics, stock – and even the collection tin used to raise money for iSightCornwall, the county’s sight loss charity.

Resident optometrist and owner Sandhya Dharumpal said she and the team were shocked, but after receiving an outpouring of support from the Truro community, they were determined to turn the experience into something positive.

Turning Damaged Stock into Donations

When some of the stolen designer sunglasses were recovered, they were no longer suitable for sale as new. Rather than throw them away, Sandhya and the iBuntu team decided to sell them at discounted prices – donating all proceeds to iSightCornwall.

The charity supports blind and partially sighted people across Cornwall, offering services including low vision clinics, assistive technology, benefits advice, and social activities. Many opticians, including iBuntu, refer patients to iSightCornwall when prescription lenses or surgery can no longer help.

Sandhya said:

“We are very much a part of the Truro community and all the horror that an event like a burglary can bring was completely outweighed by the generosity and speed to come to our aid that we witnessed from the Truro community. It was thanks to this outpouring of support that we wanted to give something back.

“Unless you work in this world or have had the misfortune of needing their help it’s very likely that iSightCornwall are completely under your radar but their services, such as low vision clinics, assistive technology, benefits advice, and activities, all help blind and partially sighted people individuals maintain their independence.”

Cupcakes, Community and Charity

The charity sale ran for a week and launched with cupcakes and biscuits made by local baker Chasing Cake, who donated treats shaped like glasses and eye charts. On the first day, iSightCornwall team member Jodi joined the iBuntu team to speak with customers about the charity’s work.

The sunglasses quickly sold out, and with additional donations from customers, the team raised an impressive £1,630 in total.

Every Penny Stays in Cornwall

iSightCornwall Chief Executive Carole said:

“We are so grateful to Sandhya and the iBuntu team for choosing to support iSightCornwall; as a local charity we rely on community donations to deliver our vital services each year and so to be supported by a local opticians who we work so closely with is wonderful.

“Thank you so much to the iBuntu customers for their generosity and kindness. Every penny raised will be spent in Cornwall, helping to support someone with their sight loss journey.”