The Big Issue has launched a supersized edition in partnership with Specsavers to address barriers to eye and hearing care for people experiencing homelessness. The limited-edition BIGGER Issue, printed at twice the magazine's usual size, has 3,000 oversized copies in circulation.
Cover story highlights sight conditions
The cover features Big Issue vendor Mihaela, who has personal experience with sight conditions, shown both blurred and in focus to reflect the reality of living with uncorrected vision problems. The edition aims to make hidden barriers to care impossible to ignore and promotes the nationwide expansion of Specsavers' Charity VIP Service.
Research reveals significant need
Research among homeless individuals found one in three have a sight condition, and 44% have either never had an eye test or not had one in five years or more. Despite 66% being eligible for NHS-funded eye care, many face barriers such as feeling uncomfortable attending appointments.
The Charity VIP scheme, launched in November 2022 to provide free eye and hearing care for Big Issue vendors, now supports anyone experiencing homelessness across the UK and Ireland. Users can visit a local Specsavers store or complete a simple online form. Local stores will distribute copies of the BIGGER Issue to homelessness charities.
Vendor shares positive impact
Jack Osborne-Richardson, a Big Issue vendor from Bristol, said: “Throughout my life, accessing eye care has been a real challenge because I've never stayed in one place long enough to register. As a result, I often wore the wrong prescription, suffered from headaches, and constantly felt unsafe.”
He added: “The partnership between Big Issue and Specsavers has been incredibly helpful. The appointment was free and easy to arrange, and the staff made me feel welcome and supported throughout. Getting the right glasses has made a huge difference to my life. I'm now able to read more easily, interact confidently with the public while selling Big Issue, and, most importantly, I feel safer and less vulnerable.”
Programme outcomes
Research of 45 homeless individuals found 75% of those accessing the programme's eye health clinics required glasses, and 10% required a referral to a hospital or GP, almost three times the rate on the high street. The scheme also provides hearing care, including free checks, hearing protection, ear wax removal, and hearing devices.
Catherine Parsons, managing director at Big Issue, said: “We have spent the past 35 years working towards ending poverty in the UK and Ireland and creating more opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Health and wellbeing are a critical part of this. Better sight and better hearing shouldn't be a privilege; they're a foundation for someone rebuilding their independence, finding work or reconnecting with the world around them.”
Hearing care needs
Research found 89% of homeless individuals have experienced pain or discomfort in their ears, and 86% reported buzzing or ringing sounds, a potential sign of hearing loss. Additionally, 57% of Big Issue vendors do not know where to access audiology support, with barriers including digital booking systems, long waiting lists, and lack of GP registration.
Carina Hummel, managing director optics at Specsavers, which has helped more than 7,000 people through the initiative, said: “Our purpose is to change lives through better sight and hearing by making care accessible and affordable for everyone. We understand that people affected by homelessness are at higher risk of eye and hearing problems, yet encounter significant barriers when trying to access care. We're thrilled to be expanding our Charity VIP service across the UK and Ireland, providing a free and judgement-free way for people to access eye and hearing care.”
