Specsavers Homelessness Programme

Launching in 2022, Specsavers’ Homelessness Programme has provided free eye and ear care to people experiencing homelessness through selected stores and charity‑led pop‑up clinics in community centres such as Crisis Skylights. The programme has supported over 6,000 people and involved more than 400 colleagues who have volunteered their time across both store and community settings.

Previously, access depended on where an individual lived, the availability of a participating store, or whether a local store or community centre was running a clinic. In 2025 our priority was to change this by expanding store involvement and testing whether free care could be delivered safely and effectively in every store. After a successful September–October pilot, we soft‑launched the ‘Charity VIP’ scheme, enabling anyone experiencing homelessness to walk into any Specsavers store for free care. Results showed the model works at scale, without disruption and with strong colleague support.

From March 2026, every Specsavers store across the UK and ROI will offer free eye and ear care year‑round — shifting from a limited, location‑dependent service to a permanent national pathway to equitable healthcare. In 2025, 68 stores delivered out‑of‑hours clinics supporting 305 people, community pop‑ups reached hundreds more, and awareness activity reached 18 million.