OutsideClinic provides eye care for homeless people

In the lead up to National Eye Health Week (NEHW), which runs from today (23 September) until 29 September, OutsideClinic partnered withAlternative Angels, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable members of the community.

Based in Swindon, where OutsideClinic headquarters is located, the domiciliary provider offered free eye examinations to homeless people at Alternative Angels Pilgrim Centre, where it serves meals.

Attending the centre last week (16 September), OutsideClinic optometrist, Matt Burford, said: “It was incredibly rewarding to offer health assessments to individuals who might not otherwise have access to this kind of care. These checks could identify potential health concerns, and even if we were able to help just one person, we would have created a positive change and made a tangible difference in their life.”

Burford added: “It was a wonderful evening providing this service to those in need. Everyone was so lovely and had a different story to tell. The work that Alternative Angels do is truly remarkable, and we were glad to be a small part of it.”

Alternative Angels was founded in 2016 by three friends who understood the effects of housing instability. It supports an estimated 100 homeless people every Monday and Tuesday, providing home-cooked meals, snacks, and sandwiches.

Read more about what is happening during NEHW.