Specsavers’ Professional Advancement Conference has highlighted the need to improve access to eye care for those experiencing homelessness.
Thousands of people attended the discussion workshop at the Birmingham International Convention Centre on September 17 where Yorkshire optometrist Ross Campbell shared his volunteering experiences.
‘The session on homelessness covered the scale of the issue and the impact it has on access to care,’ said Campbell.
Vision Care for Homeless People in partnership with Specsavers dispensed glasses at Christmas clinics for 82% of people experiencing homelessness, according to a study referenced by Campbell.
Some 32% had a condition that required management and 10% needed to be referred to secondary care, according to the research.
Urging others to consider volunteering, Campbell added that people experiencing homelessness are often unable to access benefits entitling them to free NHS funded sight tests and glasses.