Businesses and practices have quickly mobilised to provide support packages for people fleeing Ukraine along with those that have stayed to defend the country against Russian aggression.
London-based optometrist Robert Longhurst wrote to Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, to express his dismay at the unfolding situation in the country and offered to coordinate the supply of spectacles for refugees who had lost glasses or provide repairs to those with damaged glasses. Longhurst said several frame and lens suppliers, along with ophthalmic laboratories, had already pledged support in the form of goods and services.
Louis Stone Optical donated to those affected by the conflict, providing face masks, nitrile gloves, antiseptic wipes and hand gel. ‘We are hugely saddened by the events unfolding in Ukraine. While our gesture is small in the context of this awful crisis, we hope it can help in some way,’ said Clare Gaba, head of marketing and communications at the company. Directors and staff will also be donating warm clothing and toiletries.
With approximately 1,700 employees in Ukraine and 1,000 in Russia, EssilorLuxottica has so far monitored events closely, and said the safety of staff in both regions was of the utmost importance. Company staff who have left Ukraine will be able to seek refuge in Essilor offices, practices and labs in neighbouring countries.
ABDO has issued a statement on the eligibility of Ukrainian refugees seeking eye care provision. Head of policy and public affairs Debbie McGill said: ‘Refugees are entitled to free NHS care and are usually issued with HC2 certificates – confirming eligibility for full help with health costs – within two weeks of arrival. For those who may not yet have their HC2 certificate, NHS England has confirmed that optical practices should follow the same process for patients arriving from Ukraine that were put in place for Afghan refugees.’
Practitioners were advised that eye care should not be refused, and refugees should be seen as private patients.