More than 100 pairs of spectacles dispensed after Crisis at Christmas clinics

Londoners who received eyewear prescriptions at Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) and Crisis at Christmas’ December clinics received their spectacles at Spitalfields VCHP clinic this week.

More than 100 pairs of glasses were distributed on Monday afternoon (16 January). Glazing had been provided by Essilorluxottica.

A further 11 people were referred for further care after visiting the December clinics, which were run by volunteer optometrists and dispensing opticians.

Aside from the Crisis at Christmas clinics, eye care was provided at various pop-up clinics within optometry practices and homeless centres in December, after donations of time and spectacles were made by the UK optical community.

The prescriptions will enable people to live more safely and to engage with the world, VCHP said.

David Brown, general manager of VCHP, praised the work of everyone involved.

“We couldn’t function without our volunteers – many come back to work at Crisis year after year, and others are here for regular weekly clinics, providing a very professional service,” Brown said.

London dispensing optician, Anna Bazsah, who volunteered for the first time this Christmas, was on hand for the dispensing day.

“I really enjoyed being involved and doing a really good deed for people,” she said. “We had a great team, and I was pleased that a colleague had told me about volunteering. I will definitely do it again.”