Optical professionals are urgently required to provide sight tests and dispense spectacles to the homeless in London as part of Crisis Christmas, an initiative run by homeless charity Crisis.
From December 23-30, the charity will be running an optician service, located in two centres, with shifts from 10am to 5.30pm. Volunteers can apply for morning or afternoon shifts and Crisis asks that every volunteer signs up for a minimum of two shifts on two separate days. All practitioners must provide their GOC number when they apply.
Optometrist Shaneela Chana, who coordinates the opticians service during Crisis Christmas, said: 'I work in high street practice throughout the year and as much as I enjoy my work, the people I've met at Crisis Christmas have been the most interesting and certainly the most humble I've had the pleasure to meet. I would encourage anyone who simply likes meeting and talking to new people to volunteer at Crisis Christmas, whether it be as part of a service, setting up, serving food, or talking to guests. The sense of togetherness and cheer are unbeatable.'
Crisis' service provides eye examinations to the same standard as those on the high street. Last year it examined 115 homeless guests and dispensed 108 pairs of spectacles.
Optometrists, dispensing opticians, optical receptionists and optical assistants interested in volunteering should visit www.crisis.org.uk/volunteering or call 020 7426 3899.