4 November 2025

Leicester South MP Shockat Adam has seen first-hand how opticians are changing the lives of people affected by homelessness. Marking World Homeless Day, he paid a visit to an eye health clinic operated by the charity Vision Care in his constituency.

Raising awareness and calling for change

The visit forms part of Vision Care’s ongoing campaign to highlight the need for accessible eye care for everyone. The charity is also calling for updates to the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) contract, so people experiencing homelessness can access NHS eye care more easily.

A vital service for the community

Vision Care provides a vital service for people experiencing homelessness,’ says Mr Adam. ‘As an optometrist myself, it is inspiring to see my fellow optical clinicians deliver this service. It is also humbling talking to patients who are benefitting from it.

‘I would urge anyone interested in finding out more about Vision Care to go to their website https://www.visioncarecharity.org/. You could help change lives with your support.’

The importance of accessible care

Vision Care chief executive, Hannah Telfer, expressed her gratitude for the MP’s visit: ‘It was great to welcome Mr Adam to one of our Vision Care clinics where he was able to see our expert volunteers delivering care first-hand. The lived experience of some of patients was also a powerful reminder of why the work of Vision Care matters.

‘We wanted to invite him on World Homeless Day because it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the needs of people who experience homelessness. Our research has shown they have a higher proportion of uncorrected refractive error and therefore are much more in need of regular eye examinations and glasses.’

Free eye care for those in need

The charity operates clinics within homelessness centres across England and Scotland, which are fully equipped with testing rooms and staffed by volunteer optometrists, dispensing opticians, and assistants. ‘Our clinics provide eye care and glasses free of charge to anyone affected by homelessness or without means — regardless of their eligibility for an NHS sight test,’ explains Ms Telfer.

Collaborative effort to break down barriers

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, also attended the clinic on 10 October. He says: ‘I was so pleased to be invited to join Mr Adam and the Vision Care team. Specsavers have a long-standing relationship with Vision Care so it’s great to be able to come and see the brilliant work they continue to do in our communities.

‘As a business we are committed to making healthcare accessible to all and to create long-term solutions to remove healthcare barriers. Collaborating with partners such as Vision Care is enabling us to collectively improve access to free, appropriate eye and hearing care for people experiencing homelessness or other barriers to care.’