Kingston opticians hosts eye care clinic for homelessness charity
Free, first-class eye care was delivered to those facing housing crises across Kingston borough.
Local charity, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH), has seen a more than 30% increase in the number of people registering compared to last year.
Many of the people supported by the team have faced challenges and situations that have impacted their living situation significantly.
Specsavers Kingston upon Thames' dispensing opticians joined forces with Specsavers' South West London home visits team to help the charity put on a free eye care clinic.
The clinic offered to service users of the charity was hosted at its Kingston base in St Peter's Church Hall, London Road where over 12 people attended the event.
Preetam Meghani, Specsavers optometrist and director of the South West and West London home visiting service, said: "The team were delighted to support this initiative.
"Every day we see many people sleeping on the streets, so it was very rewarding to be able to support the charity and provide the sight tests, especially as we learned that the team provide users with the ready readers to help them see better.
"At least they'll now have a pair of glasses with the correct prescription for their eyesight – something which is very important."
Specsavers attended the half-day clinic with the mobile testing equipment it uses to carry out eye tests in people's homes, a service offered to people who are housebound.
Kat Greenwood, KCAH Service Manager said: 'We were thrilled to have the support of Specsavers who provided free eye tests to our service users. Everyone was so grateful to the testing service provided and to Specsavers Kingston who supplied the free prescription glasses to those who needed them.
"It will make a huge difference to their day to day lives, including applying for jobs and local housing."
KCAH, established in 1993, aims to help each person find a stable home and begin to re-build their lives.
The team, including volunteers, provide much-needed guidance, exploring any benefits they may be entitled to, such as local housing provision and healthcare services offered by local providers free of charge, as well as mental health and wellbeing checks.
Mr Meghani explained: "Having a regular eye test is really important, as it can reveal underlying health issues. The team were more than delighted to provide this service and support the health and wellbeing of the people who attended our clinic."
Specsavers Kingston upon Thames retail director Guy Loveday added: "We like to support local Kingston charities who are helping people in need across the Borough.
"Eye care should be available to everyone, so I am sure the correct prescription will enhance the daily lives of the charity's service users."
Specsavers recommends that adults have an eye test at least every two years, and children should visit every year. The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for anyone who qualifies. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS funded eye test.
To book in for a sight or hearing test, contact Specsavers Kingston upon Thames on 020 8974 6677 or book online here.
You can contact the Home Visits Team online here.
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