First-class eyecare is coming to Devon at a new clinic for people experiencing homelessness.
Leading professionals will be volunteering in a fully equipped eye clinic at the Shekinah centre on Plymouth’s Kings Road, where people in crisis can also benefit from housing advice, healthcare, and drug and alcohol services.
The launch of this clinic was attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Tina Tuohy, and the Lady Mayoress,Freya Hitt.
The eye clinic is being created by Vision Care for Homeless People, a charity set up to provide eyecare services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
It is being supported by Specsavers, as well as Plymouth University, optical suppliers and other optical practices.
Announcement of the clinic comes as latest figures from the housing and homelessness charity Shelter show that there are 885 people experiencing homelessness in Plymouth, and 381 of the city’s children are in temporary accommodation. More than 11,000 people are on the social housing waiting list.
Hannah Telfer, Chief Executive at Vision Care for Homeless People, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this clinicand we’re honoured to have the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress join us at the launch. Their presence highlights the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of people in crisis.
“Our aim is to provide a positive healthcare experience so that there is ongoing engagement with eyecare here in the city. We want to meet an important need for many people and add to their quality of life by providing them with glasses, which help in many ways – such as looking for work, finding accommodation or simply to keep themselves safe.
“The professionals volunteering in the clinic will provide care in an accessible and friendly environment which is safe, welcoming and comfortable.”
Up to 15 professionals will volunteer at the clinic, with fully qualified optometrists testing eyes, checking for the need of spectacles, and examining the health of people’s eyes at no charge to the patient.
Other volunteers will include dispensing opticians and clinic assistants, who can help people choose frames and lenses from a dedicated range, and ensure the spectacles fit well.
Giles Edmonds, Specsavers Clinical Services Director, said: “We are so pleased to be partnering with Vision Care for Homeless People to open this clinic in Plymouth.
“Our founding purpose is to improve eyecare for all, but for those experiencing homelessness it can sometimes be difficult to get access to the eye health care they need.
“The Plymouth clinic will aim to make eyecare equitable and accessible for all, regardless of their circumstances.”
Professionals volunteering at the clinic will attend for one or two clinics per month. Most of the optometrists and dispensing opticians will be coming from established Plymouth practices.
The clinic will run every week on Thursdays from 9am until 3pm, with between six and eight people being seen each day.
John Hamblin, CEO at Shekinah said: “Having Vision Care offering their services at Shekinah only goes to strengthen the medical services we now have on offer in our new building.
“Eyecare and eye tests are something many of us take for granted, and being able to offer them to people who come to Shekinah will be fantastic. For us, this is yet another great example of partners coming together to support our work.”
Hannah added: “I expect many of the clients already using the extensive services at Shekinah will come to us, and we will work closely with Shekinah to ensure we are reaching as many people as possible.
“We will also be actively reaching out to other organisations working within the city to take referrals, and of course we will welcome support workers to appointments if the patient prefers someone to accompany them.
“There are no geographical restrictions on who can come and see us.”
To cover additional set-up costs, the charity is looking to raise £3,000. To donate, go online at https://visioncareforhomelesspeople.enthuse.com/cf/help-us-open-a-new-vchp-clinic-in-plymouth. To discuss any fundraising ideas, email alison.gordon@vchp.org.uk.
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