World Optometry Day: Optometrists making a difference globally

World Optometry Day: Optometrists making a difference globally

To mark this year’s World Optometry Day (23 March), Specsavers is shining a light on how optometrists are expanding access to eye care in communities across the world.

In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, optometrists are playing a key role in breaking down barriers to deliver eye healthcare to people experiencing homelessness – including through Specsavers homelessness programme.

This sees Specsavers optometrists, dispensing opticians and other colleagues provide vital access to eye care. The programme also works with charities and social enterprise partnerships, including Vision Care (formerly Vision Care for Homeless People), The Big Issue, Crisis, Focus Ireland and Simon Community NI.

Hannah Telfer, Chief Executive of Vision Care, says: ‘Optometrists are a vital part of delivering eye health services to people experiencing homelessness.

‘At Vision Care, we see every day the expertise, care and empathy that volunteers from across the optical sector bring – including those from Specsavers – and the difference that makes to the people we support.’

Paul Morris, director of professional advancement at Specsavers, says: ‘I’m immensely proud of the optometry sector for its commitment to delivering vital eye care for all.’

Specsavers optometrists are actively collaborating with policymakers, he notes, to broaden access to eye care. Initiatives range from addressing obstacles faced by people experiencing homelessness to demonstrating how community optometry can facilitate enhanced access to glaucoma care for patients within their local area.

‘I’m proud too of my Specsavers colleagues providing exceptional care to communities across the country every day’ he adds. ‘They and their teams are also anchors in their local communities – supporting their high streets, charities and sports groups.’

More broadly, Specsavers teams across the globe deliver incredible care and expertise to millions of patients.

In Australia, optometrists play an important part in the Specsavers partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, helping enhance access to eye care for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Islander communities.

In Northern Europe, Specsavers has worked with charities to conduct free sight tests, dispense glasses and provide food gift-cards for low-income families.

Optometrists also participated in events offering free clinical advice and information about eye health issues; supporting organisations working with young people to build resilience and courage as well as community centres offering vital services to people with a variety of needs.

Mr Morris concludes: ‘Today we celebrate optometrists across the globe who change lives every day. Community optometrists and their teams are doing incredible things. Thank you.’