FREE eye tests and glasses for people experiencing homelessness are being offered by an Evesham opticians tomorrow (Thursday 16) at a dedicated, out-of-hours clinic.
Team members at Specsavers on Bridge Street will hold the eye care clinic between 6pm and 8pm with complimentary food and drink from Buongiorno Italian cafe and Nostalgia cafe.
The service will offer attendees a quieter environment to speak to a healthcare professional who will be providing sight tests, OCT scans and glasses, if needed.
The clinic is part of Specsavers wider homelessness programme, and takes place following World Homeless Day on Monday October 10.
Store director at Specsavers Evesham, Anna Blyth, said: “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 and unfortunately, we know that for many, this is not the case because it can be incredibly difficult to get free access to this care.
“By holding an out-of-hours clinic and working closely with other local businesses such as Buongiorno and Nostalgia, we are aiming to make expert care accessible to our community whilst raising awareness of the barriers currently in place.”
One in three people who experience homelessness need glasses and the clinic is one of many running at Specsavers stores throughout the country, offering an invaluable service to those with eye and vision problems, yet encounter barriers to receiving eye care.
Specsavers is also calling for changes to Government policy to remove unnecessary barriers that make it difficult for people experiencing homelessness to access the eye care they need.
Long-term plans include influencing policy and systems, so people affected have access to free ear checks, eye tests and glasses, and replacement glasses if broken, lost or stolen.
To request an appointment call the shop directly on 01386 423301 or go to the specsavers.co.uk/stores/evesham website link.
