Specsavers expands homelessness care scheme with nationwide rollout

Specsavers has expanded its ‘Charity VIP’ scheme across the UK and Ireland to reduce barriers for people experiencing homelessness to access eye and hearing care.

Research from Specsavers found that 44% of people experiencing homelessness have either never had an eye test or have not had one in five years or longer¹. Despite many being eligible for NHS-funded eye care, barriers include discomfort attending appointments and concerns about the cost of glasses.

The Charity VIP scheme removes obstacles. Available in every Specsavers practice in the UK and Ireland, the service requires no referral, paperwork or proof of address. It was originally launched in November 2022 to provide free eye and hearing care to Big Issue vendors.

‘At Specsavers our purpose is to change lives through better sight and hearing by making care accessible and affordable for everyone,’ says Carina Hummel, managing director optics, Specsavers.

‘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.’

Those who wish to use the service simply need to go into a practice and ask the team about the ‘Charity VIP scheme’ or fill out a simple form online.

Patients can access a free eye test, OCT scan, glasses up to the £30 range. Hearing care services under the scheme include a free hearing check, hearing protection, wax removal and a hearing device if required.

Since the programme began in 2022, almost 75% of people who have accessed the programme have required glasses², while 10% have needed referral to a hospital or GP. More than 7,000 people have now received support through the scheme.

Specsavers has also partnered with Big Issue to create the BIGGER Issue – printing 3,000 giant, limited-edition copies of the magazine to spotlights the nationwide expansion of Specsavers’ Charity VIP Service.

To find out more about the Specsavers Charity VIP scheme, please visit: Helping people to access care | Specsavers UK https://www.specsavers.co.uk/about/charitable-partnerships/homelessness/charityvip