Contact us
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

What we do

Vision Care champions the right to sight for all people experiencing homelessness. We improve eye health through direct services, education and advocacy, and we work to remove the barriers that prevent people from accessing essential eyecare. Through our programmes, partnerships and clinics, we ensure people can access eye tests, glasses and follow‑up support, regardless of housing status, confidence with healthcare, or previous negative experiences. No one should be denied the sight needed to live, connect and participate in their community. 

Where can I get free eye care?

Eye care should never be out of reach. If you or someone you support is affected by homelessness, find your nearest Vision Care clinic offering free eye care and glasses below.

Our current strategy

We’re working to make sure people experiencing homelessness can access the eyecare they deserve. Our strategy brings together three connected areas, educating professionals, removing systemic barriers, and delivering services directly – so more people can protect their sight and improve their lives, without barriers.
View our strategy

Education and engagement

We help optical professionals understand the eyecare needs of people experiencing homelessness. Through tailored training, practical guidance and shareable resources, we build confidence across the sector to offer compassionate, trauma‑informed support. Our aim is that every optometrist, dispensing optician and clinic team feels equipped to welcome beneficiaries who may not have a fixed address or the means to pay, and to signpost people sensitively to further help.

Removing barriers through policy and research

We use evidence and partnerships to challenge the systems that make eyecare inaccessible. Working with researchers, healthcare partners and policymakers, we advocate for changes that recognise the realities of homelessness. From flexible domiciliary provision in hostels and day centres, to fair replacement policies for lost or broken glasses. By amplifying lived experience and sharing data, we aim to make NHS eye services genuinely accessible to people experiencing homelessness across the UK.

Facilitating direct delivery of eyecare

We bring eyecare to the places it’s needed most – through clinics, outreach and partnerships. Our focus is on widening access and reducing practical hurdles: offering eye tests, dispensing glasses and arranging follow‑up in settings that feel familiar and safe. We prioritise areas of highest need and work alongside local organisations so that people can get timely support without unnecessary travel, paperwork or costs.

Our Services

Vision Care provides completely free eye care for people affected by homelessness, including eye tests and glasses where needed.

Our services are welcoming, respectful and low-barrier. You do not need to be eligible for NHS-funded eye care to access support from Vision Care, and we will not ask you to prove your circumstances.

We provide eye care in three main ways: through regular services, visiting services and partner opticians.

Regular services

Our five regular services run from the same location each week. These clinics offer a comprehensive eye examination and modern ranges of frames and lenses. Appointments are designed to be calm and unhurried, with options for walk‑ins depending on the day.
 
Find out more

Optician partners

In areas where we do not have a regular or visiting service we work with partner opticians to deliver eye tests.

Find out more

Visiting services

Our visiting services travel to different locations, such as hostels, day centres and outreach venues. They help people access eye care closer to where they already receive support and may only be available on certain dates.

Find out more

Patient stories

Every person we support has their own journey — and their own experience of how better vision can change daily life.

These stories share the real impact of accessible eye care, told in the words of the people we’ve worked with.

Placeholder-M
York patient
In York, one patient was so positive about the service that he encouraged a nervous young woman to have an eye test. By sharing a real-life example of how routine eye care can detect wider health issues, he helped reassure her. With his support, she felt confident enough to have her first eye test since childhood. She was amazed by the difference some glasses could make to her distance vision. 
Find out more
Placeholder-F
London Patient
Find out more
Placeholder-M
Del
“I can only say how grateful I am to Jane and Richard for volunteering onto the service. The thought of receiving my glasses has boosted my confidence no end. Also the procedures were well explained to me, which makes me more appreciative. Thank you so much. - Del.”
Find out more
More patient stories

Get involved

There are many ways to support Vision Care’s work. Whether you want to volunteer your time or get involved in one of our campaigns, your support helps more people experiencing homelessness access the eyecare they deserve.

Volunteering

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us reach people who might otherwise go without support. From clinic assistance to community outreach, your time can make a real difference in someone’s ability to see clearly and live confidently.
Find out more

Our campaigns

You can also get involved by supporting one of our campaigns. These activities help raise awareness, increase our reach and ensure more people experiencing homelessness can access essential eyecare when they need it most.
Find out more

Donate

Help someone see clearly again.

Your donation helps us provide vital eye care and glasses for people experiencing homelessness.

Donate

Sign up to our newsletter

If you would like to receive Vision Care news and updates please subscribe to our mailing list for our quarterly newsletter, which contains news on the charity, plus volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

We will not share your personal information with any other organisation.

Sign up

Find out more

Who we are

Guidance and education

Get involved