Specsavers has launched a new scheme giving anyone experiencing homelessness access to free eye and ear care at all 1,000 stores across the UK and Ireland.
The Charity VIP scheme means that anyone affected by homelessness can walk into a participating store for a free sight test, glasses, hearing check, hearing aid, wax removal or other hearing protection, funded by Specsavers where NHS provision does not apply.
The launch marks three years since Specsavers first began offering free care to people experiencing homelessness. Since then, the programme has provided free eye and ear care to more than 7,000 people and invested more than £3 million. This has been delivered through pop-up clinics, out-of-hours sessions and domiciliary visits, working with Crisis, Big Issue, Vision Care, Simon Community, Focus Ireland and Every Youth.
New research from Specsavers suggests one in three people experiencing homelessness has a sight issue, and 44% have either never had an eye test or have not had one in five years or more. Despite two thirds being eligible for NHS-funded eye care, many still face barriers such as proof of address, limited access to phones or email, and concerns about cost.
The need for hearing support presents similar challenges. Of those accessing hearing care through the scheme, 89% have experienced pain or discomfort in their ears and 86% have reported buzzing, a potential sign of hearing loss. One in 10 (10%) have needed a referral to a hospital or GP – almost three times the 3.7% high street average – whilst more than half (57%) of Big Issue vendors surveyed did not know where to access audiology support.
Alongside the scheme, Specsavers has made homelessness awareness training mandatory across its store network, to help colleagues ensure customers experiencing homelessness feel welcome and supported.
Carina Hummel, managing director of Optics at Specsavers, said: “At Specsavers our purpose is to change lives through better sight and hearing by making care accessible and affordable for everyone. We understand that people affected by homelessness are at higher risk of eye and hearing problems yet encounter major barriers when trying to access care. We’re thrilled to be expanding our Charity VIP service across the UK and Ireland, which provides a free, and judgement free service for people to access eye and ear care.”
Nearly 75% of people affected by homelessness who access Specsavers’ eye health clinics need glasses, and on average 20% have a condition that needs treatment. Dimple Rama, who has experienced homelessness three times, is one of thousands who have been supported through the scheme.
Dimple was told as a teenager that she needed glasses but went without them while navigating periods of homelessness at 17, 21 and 24, focusing instead on finding accommodation and putting food on the table. She has since rebuilt her life, working in real estate for an AI company and fostering rescue dogs in her spare time, and now uses her experience to raise awareness of the barriers many people face when accessing health services.
Dimple said: “I’ve met many people who had glasses for the wrong prescription, or who needed glasses but didn’t have them, and were struggling because of it. It’s important for everyone to be able to access these services in a safe place and to see the world clearly.”
To find out more about the Specsavers Charity VIP scheme, please visit, Helping people to access care | Specsavers UK https://www.specsavers.co.uk/
