More than 7,000 people experiencing homelessness across the UK and Ireland have accessed free eye and hearing care through Specsavers' Charity VIP Service, which has been expanded in partnership with the Big Issue to tackle healthcare inequalities.
Research Highlights Sight and Hearing Problems
Research among people experiencing homelessness found that one in three have a sight condition, while 44% have either never had an eye test or have not had one in five years or more. Three-quarters of those attending the programme's eye health clinics were found to need glasses.
Despite two-thirds being eligible for NHS-funded eye care, many face barriers such as feeling uncomfortable attending appointments and concerns about the cost of glasses.
Hearing Care Also Provided
The scheme also provides hearing care, including free hearing checks, hearing protection, ear wax removal, and hearing devices where required. Research of 45 people experiencing homelessness found that 89% have experienced pain or discomfort in their ears, while 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 a lack of GP registration.
Supersized Edition to Raise Awareness
To help break down barriers, the latest edition of the Big Issue has gone supersized. A limited-edition version, the BIGGER Issue, has been created in partnership with Specsavers, with 3,000 oversized copies printed at twice the publication's usual size.
The cover features Big Issue vendor Mihaela, who has personal experience living with a sight condition, shown both blurred and in focus, reflecting the reality of living with uncorrected sight problems.
Vendor's Story Highlights 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.
“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.”
Leaders Comment on the Initiative
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.”
Carina Hummel, managing director optics at Specsavers, 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.”
Those wishing to use the Specsavers' service can visit their local store and ask staff about the scheme or complete a simple online form. Local Specsavers stores across the UK will distribute copies of the BIGGER Issue to local homelessness charities to help the message reach those who could benefit from it.
