25 June 2026
Vision Care has seen 150 patients at its Yorkshire Mobile Vision Service since opening in April.
The charity shared the news during Small Charity Week (22–29 June).
Vision Care (formerly Vision Care for Homeless People) is taking its mobile eye clinic into trusted community spaces across Yorkshire, providing free eye examinations and glasses to a demographic that has traditionally been locked out of accessing eye care.
Many of those affected by homelessness face barriers to accessing community optometry practices or wider healthcare services. The aim of the mobile service is to remove practical, emotional and financial barriers that might prevent people affected by homelessness from accessing vital eye care.
The mobile clinic is also providing onward referrals if eye conditions are detected.
The charity has moved away from static clinics and is now focusing on bringing its services into the places that those affected by homelessness are already familiar with, after finding significantly better engagement in these settings during a year-long pilot scheme in 2024–2025.
Vision Care’s chief executive, Hannah Telfer, said: “An eye test can be life-changing, but for many people affected by homelessness, accessing one is not straightforward.
“Our Mobile Vision Service takes eye care into trusted local spaces. That means people can get support in an environment where they feel safe, welcomed and respected.”
Telfer added: “Reaching 150 eye tests across 13 Yorkshire locations shows the difference this model can make. We want to build on this momentum and reach even more people who may otherwise go without care.”
On the road in Yorkshire
The mobile eye clinic has travelled to 13 community locations and drop-in centres across North and West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Halifax, Wakefield, Leeds, South Milford and York.
The clinic has also travelled to Leicester, where further visits are in the planning stages. Locations in Gloucester are also in the planning process.
One patient, anonymised as ‘Pete,’ visited the Mobile Vision Service in Halifax after seeing a poster at a local drop-in centre.
A diabetic, Pete was living in temporary accommodation at the time of his visit. Anxiety about visiting a community optical practice had meant that he had not received a sight test for a number of years.
During his eye examination, the Vision Care optometrist identified early development of cataracts, and was able to explain the importance of regular monitoring. Pete was also supported to choose new glasses during his appointment.
He later described the experience as a “turning point,” saying it helped him regain trust in healthcare and feel more confident about managing his health.
Another patient was referred to hospital as an emergency after diabetes-related changes were seen in one eye.
Telfer said: “A pair of glasses can mean safety, confidence, independence and dignity. That is why this work matters so much.”
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