Optometrists and audiologists from several Specsavers stores, including South Harrow, took part in a clinic offering free eye and hearing care to young people experiencing homelessness in London.
Colleagues from stores in Islington, Harlesden, South Harrow and Crouch End volunteered at a clinic held at the YMCA in Crouch End on 14 April.
The clinic was organised through Specsavers’ partnership with EveryYouth, a charity supporting 16 to 25-year-olds facing homelessness across the UK.
Young people staying at the YMCA were invited to attend the pop-up clinic, where they were offered free eye tests, ear care, glasses and ear wax removal.
A total of 38 people were seen during the clinic, with every patient receiving both eye and hearing care.
According to Specsavers, one in three people experiencing homelessness need glasses.
Rajesh Chandegra, optometrist director at Specsavers Islington, said: “Our ambition is to ensure that everyone experiencing homelessness can access free, appropriate eye and hearing care.
“By helping people achieve better sight and hearing, we hope to improve their quality of life. We know that for many, accessing this kind of care can be challenging or daunting which is why on-site clinics like this are so important.
“Working alongside our neighbouring North London stores and the YMCA in Crouch End has allowed us to reach more people in our community and provide vital support where it’s needed most.”
Marcus Regan, store manager at Specsavers Islington, said some of the reactions from young people collecting their glasses had been emotional.
He said: “When I did the collections, every single reaction was so ecstatic, young people saying to me ‘oh my god, I can see again!’. One had a prescription as high as -4.75 with no previous glasses, another one had a 0.75D change in their prescription, one other had also broken their previous pair of glasses, which had impacted their confidence.
“For young people at the start of their journey to get them into the job market, further their education or into housing – their new glasses are so important. I had a group of four who collected their glasses together. They were taking photos, complimenting each other, pointing out stuff in the distance, it was amazing, as that they could see clearly again. It was so joyful! And that’s why we do it!”
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