Specsavers offers free eye, ear care to homeless at 1,000 UK stores

Nearly 75% of people affected by homelessness who use Specsavers' eye health clinics need glasses. On average, 20% have a condition requiring treatment.

Alongside the expanded access, Specsavers has made homelessness awareness training mandatory across its store network. The move is designed to help colleagues ensure customers experiencing homelessness feel welcome.

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.”

Dimple Rama is one of thousands supported through the scheme. She experienced homelessness three times. Told as a teenager she needed glasses, she went without while navigating 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. She now uses her experience to raise awareness of the barriers many people face when accessing health services.

“I've met many people who had glasses for the wrong prescription, or who needed glasses but did not have them, and were struggling because of it,” Dimple said. “It's important for everyone to be able to access these services in a safe place and to see the world clearly.”