Improving access to care for people experiencing homelessness
Michael O'Kane with Big Issue Vendors
It includes a special Crisis at Christmas care clinic in Edinburgh. The clinics have been held at the Vision Care for Homeless People’s clinic, based at the Edinburgh Crisis Skylight facility at Cranston House on the Cannongate.
The project is part of a nationwide initiative by Specsavers
With one in three people experiencing homelessness need glasses, Specsavers' teams up and down the nation are committed to improving access to care for this group of patients.
Michael O’Kane, volunteer and clinical director at Specsavers at Cameron Toll and Morningside, emphasises the life-changing impact of improved vision on people's quality of life.
Accessing this life-changing care can be fraught with barriers - whether due to cost, social reasons, lack of documentation, or access to facilities, Mr O’Kane explains.
‘Every day, we witness the life-changing power of improved vision on people’s quality of life,' he adds.
'A simple pair of glasses or timely eye care can mean the difference between navigating the world with confidence or struggling with daily tasks.’
Collaboration with Crisis and other organisations
As a charity working to end homelessness, Crisis supports thousands of people with education and training, and help with housing, employment, and health.
Through its services across Britain, the charity helps people find a path out of homelessness for good.
Specsavers is also collaborating with Vision Care for Homeless People, Big Issue, and other homelessness services to create long-term solutions to remove healthcare barriers for people experiencing homelessness.
Find out more here: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/community/homelessness