COMMUNITY conscious professionals offered free eye and hearing care to young people experiencing homelessness.
Colleagues from Specsavers stores in Islington, Harlesden, South Harrow and Crouch End volunteered their time at a clinic providing young people residing in the YMCA in Crouch End with free comprehensive eye tests, ear care, glasses and wax removal. The clinic was possible thanks to Specsavers’ partnership with EveryYouth, the national charity for 16-25 year olds facing homelessness in the UK.
The clinic, held on the 14th April at the YMCA invited their residents to attend the pop-up clinic on site, ensuring vital care was accessible to young people experiencing homelessness and who may otherwise face barriers to receiving it.
In total, 38 patients were seen during the clinic, with every individual receiving both eye and ear care.
This clinic forms part of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, with stores across the UK working to improve access to essential eye and hearing care for people experiencing homelessness or facing other barriers – whether financial, residential or related to NHS eligibility.
One in three people who experience homelessness need glasses, making clinics like this an invaluable service for people who may otherwise struggle to access care.
Specsavers Islington’s optometrist director, Rajesh Chandegra says: ‘Our ambition is to ensure that everyone experiencing homelessness can access free, appropriate eye and hearing care.
‘By helping people achieve better sight and hearing, we hope to improve their quality of life. We know that for many, accessing this kind of care can be challenging or daunting which is why on-site clinics like this are so important.
‘Working alongside our neighbouring North London stores and the YMCA in Crouch End has allowed us to reach more people in our community and provide vital support where it’s needed most.’
Marcus Regan, Specsavers Islington’s store manager comments: ‘When I did the collections, every single reaction was so ecstatic, young people saying to me ‘oh my god, I can see again!’. One had a prescription as high as -4.75 with no previous glasses, another one had a 0.75D change in their prescription, one other had also broken their previous pair of glasses, which had impacted their confidence.
‘For young people at the start of their journey to get them into the job market, further their education or into housing – their new glasses are so important. I had a group of four who collected their glasses together. They were taking photos, complimenting each other, pointing out stuff in the distance, it was amazing, as that they could see clearly again. It was so joyful! And that’s why we do it!’
As well as delivering clinics in local communities, Specsavers continues to work with charities and organisations including Crisis, Vision Care and Big Issue to create long-term solutions that remove barriers to healthcare.
Specsavers is also calling for changes to government policy to ensure people experiencing homelessness can access free eye tests, hearing care and replacement glasses where needed.
To find out more, visit specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/community/homelessness or contact Specsavers Islington on 020 7520 1770. You can also book an appointment online:
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/islington
