AN ABERDEEN opticians held a special festive event to help the homeless last week providing eye tests, glasses, food and drink.
Staff at Specsavers in Union Street volunteered to set aside their evening to welcome some of the city’s most vulnerable rough sleepers into the store where they received a free eye test before being given complimentary glasses should they require them.
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Single vision glasses were made up within an hour of their eye test at the onsite lab, and while they waited, the attendees – who were identified by homeless charities Integrate Scotland and Aberdeen Cyrenians and GP practice Marywell Health Centre – were able to enjoy treats in the comfort of the store.
Sandwiches, chocolate, crisps and water were kindly donated by Pret A Manger, with hot drinks served thanks to Hinba Coffee Roasters.
Optometric manager at Specsavers Aberdeen, Kirstin Murray, says: ‘Eye care is just as important as other types of healthcare, especially for those living on our streets who face high-risk environments on a daily basis.
‘The nights are already bitterly cold, and at this time of year, it’s important to think of those less fortunate than ourselves who need support. It’s vital that we break down the barriers to accessing healthcare.
‘We’re therefore proud to have given something back this festive period by offering free eye tests, food, drink and goodwill glasses to some of Aberdeen’s most vulnerable people.
‘We’d also like to thank Integrate Scotland and Aberdeen Cyrenians, who both work closely with the city’s homeless community, for helping to make this event happen.’
