Vision clinic for the homeless opens

Karen Gennard of Norville Opticians will lead the new Vision Care for Homeless People clinic in Gloucester

Gloucester is the latest location for a Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) service, thanks to support from NHS Gloucestershire.

Optometrist Karen Gennard, from Norville opticians, is taking the lead at the clinic, based at the City Mission. VCHP is searching for a manager and volunteers for the service, which opens every Monday from 10am to 4pm.

Karen said: “There is a great need to help the homeless community in Gloucester and while many people recognise the need for food and shelter, being able to see well is high on my radar as an optometrist.  We would like to appeal to local businesses and the local community to think about how they can fundraise or volunteer – perhaps for just one day a month.”

VCHP is calling on optometrists and dispensing opticians, as well as outreach workers with experience of working with homeless people, to get involved. 

“Volunteering is a tremendous way to support and encourage a better outlook on the world for a very vulnerable group,” added Karen.

Find out more from karen.gennard@vchp.org.uk