The worthy team of volunteer optometrists and dispensing opticians were only able to complete their rewarding work due to the generosity of the Outside Clinic which had loaned two domiciliary kits to the charity. Grateful thanks also go to Essilor which provided not just the lenses but also free glazing for this very worthwhile initiative –

Mike Kirkley, Managing Director of Essilor, was praised for his company’s generosity by Elaine Styles, the charity’s chair –

“There were seven per cent more visitors to the Crisis Centres this Christmas over last year and as more of the homeless in London heard about our service we were working to full capacity. This really highlights the need for the service that we provide – not just in London but throughout the country.”

Anyone thinking of volunteering in future is urged to look at the YouTube link, which shows what a rewarding experience working at Crisis at Christmas can be:

Select from one of the e-cards and send it to your friends and loved ones

>> Click here to send an E-card <<

VISION CARE FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE URGES RETHINK ON CHRISTMAS CARDS

Christmas card spending by optical companies, practices and optical employees could be allocated to providing eye care for the UK’s homeless population, believes Vision Care for Homeless People, which is promoting its successful e-card.

“Thousands and thousands of pounds are spent each year on purchasing Christmas cards and the costly postage. So much more could be achieved if those funds went towards changing someone’s life, here at home, in the UK,” said Harinder Paul, Founder of Vision Care for Homeless People.

A donation of £5 pays for an eye examination and glasses for one person, thanks to the donated professional time, testing equipment, frames and lenses, at the centres in London and Birmingham. A donation of £400 funds one of the centres for a month, making a tremendous impact of people on the periphery of society, believes the charity.

The Award of Charity, Company or Practice of the Year is for the organisation that has done the most to promote and expand optometry, or which has brought the benefits of optics to a wider audience. Voting is open until midnight on the 23rd October so please spread the word.

I certainly think we bring the benefits of optics to a wider audience as we are helping to bring the benefits of optometry to some of the poorest people in our own community. Restoring somebody’s vision is one of the most rewarding experiences you could have, from supplying a myopic correction to a person who would effectively be considered blind without their correction to issuing a simple reading prescription so that somebody can read an application form. Getting people back on their feet and into accommodation and jobs is very important.

We are a UK charity which helps people here at home. Some practitioners may not have the opportunity or the money to give up two weeks to go abroad and work in foreign clinics but we encourage people to give a few hours to volunteer in one of our clinics.

Over a thousand hours a year of volunteering time is donated by optometrists and dispensing opticians to run our four current clinics.

It is a very rewarding experience helping your fellow human beings when they are at one of the lowest points of their life. The smile on their face when they see clearly again is priceless.

Lesley-Ann Murray, dressed as Wonder Woman and part of the ABDO Practical Examination Team, put fear to one side to raise in excess of £500.00 for the City charity – Vision Care for Homeless People. Descending 160 feet in three seconds, the fall felt like forever -

“I was absolutely terrified: shaking like a leaf and screaming, but I would certainly do it again. The views over the Thames were amazing and I would recommend it to anyone. The buzz afterwards was awesome – you certainly find your true self on the way down!” she said.

On Saturday the 24th September 2011 Lesley will be launching herself (if not by her own will then by that of a size 11) from a 160ft crane, those of you who know her know she doesn’t exactly have a head for heights so this is going to be a real challenge for her.

Please support Lesley by making a donation here! Click the DONATE button below:

If you would like to watch Lesley’s jump join us on Saturday the 24th September at 4PM, Tooley St (nr Tower Bridge/next to the Mayor’s office)

Join Lesley on Facebook, suggestions for silly outfits/jumping attire are encouraged!

With the London and Birmingham centres supported by several public-spirited optical companies, all vital resources are put to good use, providing much needed support in an approachable environment for some of the country’s most disposed and vulnerable.

As Dave Walker, Bondeye Sales Manager, explained his company’s support –

“This charity offers such a vital service to the homeless and we are pleased to be able to help. We appreciate that to keep VCHP growing it needs ongoing support from organisations like ourselves and we are happy to make that commitment.”

Dave Walker is pictured with Charity Chair, Elaine Styles, who added –

“When the box of repair supplies was opened the volunteer dispensing optician said she felt as if she had woken up on Christmas day. She said it was much better than the equipment she works with in private practice.”

With powers from +1.0 to +3.50D, the ready readers, along with the generous donation of lenses and glazing by Kent Optic, the charity is helping more and more who need this help.

As Rebecca Harwood Lincoln, Polaroid Eyewear Sales Manager UK and Ireland explained:
“This is a wonderful cause and one that affords practical help to people in real need.  We are so pleased to be able to help in this simple way but that makes such a massive difference for the people concerned. 

“Corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our business at Polaroid and that is why our charities policy focuses efforts on helping organisations with causes close to our own of improving the vision and eye health of people around the world. Our donation to Vision Care for Homeless People is a perfect example of this in action,” she added.

Optometrists and dispensing opticians are much needed throughout the year to help with the charity’s clinics in London and Birmingham.  For more information please call:  020 8356 6532

Photograph by Jeff Hubbard.

“Thousands and thousands of pounds are spent each year on purchasing Christmas cards and the costly postage, plus we have the worry of the postal strike.  So much more could be achieved if those funds went towards changing someone’s life, here at home, in the UK,” said Harinder Paul, Founder of Vision Care for Homeless People.

A donation of £5 pays for an eye examination and glasses for one person, thanks to the donated professional time, testing equipment, frames and lenses, at the centres in London and Birmingham.  A donation of £400 funds one of the centres for a month, making a tremendous impact of people on the periphery of society, believes the charity.

Professionals who have a few hours each month, to help the homeless, should contact:  carly@visioncarecharity.org or call 020 7017 2026

Likening the charity to “Vision Aid Overseas here at home”, Rob Hogan, from Professional Services, Boots Opticians, said:
“I became aware of the charity several years ago and the fact that both Boots and D&A independently decided to support its work prior to the merger demonstrates the like-mindedness of the optical businesses.”

Boots Opticians Chairman, Pradip Patel added:
“We take a lot for granted in life, including our eyesight. We don’t realise how important it is, until something goes wrong, and when it does go wrong, it has a real impact on the quality of our life.

“People who are homeless have a lot more to contend with, and if their eyesight is failing this can cause even more problems for them. This is why we are so keen that our teams help and support the charity.”

Demand for Vision Care for Homeless care is increasing and more qualified staff are sought.  If you would like to volunteer please contact the charity on 020 7017 2026 or email  us