Bristol VCHP seeks volunteers

Bristol’s Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) clinic dispensed 74 pairs of spectacles to local residents who sought help from the centre because of difficulty accessing eye care from high street optical practices.

Optometrist Tom Boyd, who started volunteering at the clinic when it first opened, said he was inspired by how the service had filled a gap in care for people in need.

‘My first clinic was emotional, grounding, humbling, purposeful and deeply satisfying. My fond memories of volunteering are many, including a very high myopic who had not had glasses for six months and was functionally visually impaired.

When he picked up his spectacles, he was able get on with his life again. I encourage others to get involved as you get so much back,’ Boyd said.