On the evening of October 10, 2023, Specsavers in Twickenham opened its doors after hours to provide free eye tests for individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative, organized in partnership with the local charity SPEAR, aimed to create a comfortable environment for those who often feel uneasy in busy retail spaces during the day.
The evening clinic was intentionally scheduled to accommodate those who may feel anxious about accessing healthcare services. According to Katarzyna Grabka, the retail director at the Twickenham branch, many individuals in difficult circumstances are reluctant to enter high street shops when they are bustling with activity. “People experiencing homelessness can be very reluctant to come in during normal opening hours because they might feel a bit of discomfort,” she explained.
As the clinic began, attendees were greeted with homemade muffins and tea, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Individuals with various backgrounds arrived, each with their own story. One man, who had lost his wife, found himself without stable housing and had not had an eye test in years. Another attendee, barely out of his teens, faced homelessness due to challenging family circumstances. He needed reading glasses to help him navigate his daily life.
Katarzyna emphasized that “these people are not homeless because they want to be homeless. It’s because something happened in their lives, usually as a result of exceptional and traumatic circumstances.” Many of the individuals who visited the clinic were unaware that they could access such care for free, highlighting a significant gap in information for this vulnerable population.
During the clinic, the team conducted full eye examinations, including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, and dispensed glasses to those in need. While two attendees had diabetes, which can impact vision, no serious conditions were detected that evening, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Most individuals simply required the basic support of reading glasses to improve their ability to use phones or navigate their surroundings safely.
Language barriers also posed challenges. One individual who spoke limited English was able to communicate effectively with Katarzyna, who is Polish, allowing him to access the care he needed. This experience has prompted SPEAR to consider providing translators for future clinics to ensure that language does not hinder access to essential services.
Since the initial clinic, the impact has extended beyond that one evening. Four more people connected to SPEAR have visited the store during regular hours, identifying themselves as “charity VIPs,” which staff understand means their appointments and glasses are covered. Furthermore, Katarzyna and her team attended a health event hosted by SPEAR, signing up 14 individuals for a subsequent clinic at a nearby Specsavers location in Richmond. They plan to continue these clinics every two months, with the potential to increase frequency based on demand.
“It’s so rewarding. I can’t even describe how it makes you feel when you help people,” Katarzyna remarked, reflecting on the positive outcomes of the initiative. The homemade muffins and tea became a vehicle for connection, as individuals lingered after their appointments to enjoy refreshments and conversation. This initiative has transformed the Twickenham store into a welcoming space where people know they can find support.
The Twickenham clinic is part of Specsavers’ broader commitment to addressing homelessness, which includes collaborations with organizations such as Crisis, Vision Care, and the Big Issue. In October, over 100 Specsavers locations across the UK hosted similar clinics in recognition of World Homeless Day. Specsavers is actively advocating for policy changes to eliminate barriers to eye care, including calls for free eye tests and glasses for those experiencing homelessness, as well as replacements for lost or damaged items.
For vendors associated with the Big Issue, Specsavers offers free eye and hearing care through vouchers redeemable at any store in the UK. Katarzyna noted that local vendors, such as one who sells outside a nearby Waitrose, are aware they can seek assistance at her store whenever needed.
“We can fund it for people experiencing homelessness,” she said, reiterating the fulfilling nature of this community-focused initiative. For more information about Specsavers’ efforts, visit specsavers.co.uk.
