“Something we do every day in practice was truly life-changing for this patient”

As an optometrist and practice director at Specsavers, I have always been a staunch supporter of charitable organisations. Previously, I have volunteered, fundraised, and worked with numerous charities and organisations, including local and national charities. So, when the opportunity arose to use my expert clinical skills and experience to support a cause close to my heart, it was one I simply could not pass up.

I remember clearly the first time I volunteered for VCHP in Leeds. I was looked after by the clinic manager and shown around. I wasn’t necessarily nervous, as we see people from all walks of life in our existing day-to-day clinics in practice. However, I was acutely aware that those in the VCHP clinics may have different needs due to being affected by homelessness.

I try to volunteer around four times a year, balancing this with professional and personal commitments. I also try to fundraise and promote the work VCHP does through professional training opportunities at Specsavers CPD events, such as 100% Optical and MiniPACs, which is important for raising awareness of this work and promoting volunteering across the profession.

When I’m scheduled to volunteer at the Leeds clinic, which provides eye care for individuals affected by homelessness, I look forward to performing the sight tests. The clinics operate once or twice a month, depending on volunteer availability. Everyone who I have interacted with in these clinics is grateful for the service. I sadly don’t get to see them at the time of collection of their spectacles as this is done at a later date.

Each session is a testament to the resilience of these individuals and the transformative power of vision care.

One memorable experience over the years that stands out for me was conducting a sight test for an individual with no spectacles, but a high prescription, for the first time. He had been living in a blur for many years

A rewarding experience

One of the aspects that drew me to volunteer for VCHP was the opportunity to utilise my professional expertise in a meaningful way. The clinic runs entirely on volunteer support, making our roles as professionals critical.

Without volunteers, many of the clinic’s patients would have little to no access to eye care services. Our efforts ensure that these individuals receive essential eye tests and spectacles, which can significantly improve their quality of life.

Volunteering at VCHP is more than just a professional commitment; it is a personal one. There is something profoundly humbling about using my skills to make a tangible difference in someone’s life, even if it seems like something as small as prescribing a replacement pair of reading spectacles.

One memorable experience over the years that stands out for me was conducting a sight test for an individual with no spectacles, but a high prescription, for the first time. He had been living in a blur for many years. Something we do every day in practice was truly life-changing for this patient. It’s moments like those that reaffirm my decision to volunteer and remind me of the far-reaching impact of this work.

The time I spend as a volunteer optometrist at VCHP is always a fulfilling experience. It has allowed me to utilise my expertise, providing essential eye care to individuals who might otherwise go without

The importance of volunteers at VCHP cannot be overstated. Each volunteer brings unique skills and expertise that are invaluable to the clinic’s operations. Optometrists, dispensing opticians, and optical assistants are all crucial in providing comprehensive care to our patients. The collaborative efforts of our team ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.

The time I spend as a volunteer optometrist at VCHP is always a fulfilling experience. It has allowed me to utilise my expertise, providing essential eye care to individuals who might otherwise go without.

If you have the time and inclination, I urge you to consider volunteering. You will find the experience immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally. Your skills and compassion can make a world of difference to those in need. The rewards are boundless, and the impact is lasting.

To find out more about volunteering at VCHP, visit the charity’s website.