Specsavers' out-of-hours clinics are increasing access to eye care
Specsavers has started trialling out-of-hours clinics to increase access to eye care services in a safe, judgement-free space for people experiencing homelessness.
Data collected by Expert Focus and Vision Care for Homeless People, which was supported by the multiple, identified 40% of those experiencing homelessness have had problems with their eyes or vision.
Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, said: ‘By working with our charity partners and volunteering at their clinics, as well as trialling our own out-of-hours pilot in practices, we want to help those affected by homelessness access the care they need.
'We hope that by having a positive eye care experience, it will give people confidence to come back in the future and to access other healthcare services.’
The survey of people experiencing homelessness also found that 42% of glasses-wearers said they have frequently been without their glasses, with the most common reasons being they lost them (33%) or they broke (11%).
Specsavers said it would provide free sight tests and spectacles, if required, and take learnings from its clinics to shape its practice experience and ensure it was more accessible in the future.
