SPECSAVERS Evesham hosted an out-of-hours clinic for those going through homelessness in the local area, writes Taneesha Arora.
The store, located at 24 Bridge Street, is locally owned and run and the clinic was aimed at providing accessible eye care in the community.
Free eye tests, OCT scans and glasses were offered after hours in a calm and comfortable atmosphere so those in need could speak to a healthcare professional.
Buongiorno Cafe and Nostalgia Cafe kindly donated pizza and sandwiches for those who attended and the Vale of Evesham First Responders – a charity the store had previously fundraised for – stopped by to show their support.
Evesham Specsavers’ store director Anna Blyth, said everyone was pleased to offer their services.
“I am incredibly proud of the team who helped make this possible,” she added.
“It is our long-term aim to ensure that everyone can access free, appropriate eye and hearing care which ultimately will help improve quality of life.”
She hopes this will help raise awareness of this ongoing problem and the barriers many are facing.
Part of national campaign
The clinic was part of a nationwide campaign which involved more than 180 Specsavers Stores and Home Visits businesses holding out-of-hours or pop-up clinics.
Specsavers marked World Homeless Day by improving eye care for those either going through homelessness or experiencing other barriers – be it financial, residential or not being eligible for NHS support. They also collaborate with Crisis, Vision Care, Big Issue and other homelessness services to create long-lasting solutions to get rid of healthcare barriers.
