Vision Care for Homeless People seeks equipment donation

Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) is seeking donations of domiciliary eye testing equipment to provide eye care to homeless people during its annual Christmas campaign from 24—29 December.

During the Christmas period, 60 volunteers from the Crisis at Christmas Opticians team will form 30 mobile optical groups and visit centres across London to provide its sight test and glasses service.

Last year, volunteers were able to provide sight tests and glasses for over 300 vulnerable people with the support of opticians who loaned their mobile optometry testing equipment.

This year, the charity needs handheld focimeters, i-care tonometers, sussex vision test charts and small cases of trial lenses.

All loaned equipment is fully insured by the charity. Donated equipment will be used both at Christmas and for the charity’s mobile service that it provides in London throughout the year.

VCHP trustee, Janice English, said: “We are very, very, grateful for all the support that we receive from the optical community, particularly with our Crisis at Christmas service. The kind donations and the loan of equipment helps to make a significant difference to hundreds of lives each year. If anyone, or any businesses, would like to know more about supporting the charity in the year ahead, please do reach out to us via our website.”

To loan or donate equipment, email [email protected].

If you cannot donate equipment, but would like to make a financial donation towards VCHP, you can gift aid here.