EYECARE for the homeless was delivered at a free clinic led by professionals from the Specsavers Truro store in partnership with the Big Issue.

Free eye tests, glasses and advice were offered as part of a nationwide Specsavers campaign for World Homeless Day on October 10.

Optician director Arti Pieri said Specsavers hoped to offer the clinic as an ongoing service: “It was a really successful day and very humbling to be part of it. Our team have been blown away by the experience.

“As a local team within the Truro community, we are committed to making healthcare accessible to everyone, so I really hope that this clinic helps to raise awareness of the issue and the current barriers people are facing.”

The company has called for changes to government policy to remove unnecessary barriers that make it difficult for people experiencing homelessness to access eye and ear care. Long-term plans include influencing policy and systems to enable access to free ear checks, eye tests and glasses, and replacement glasses if broken, lost or stolen.

Nick Cuthbert, 60, began selling The Big Issue 20 years ago because he broke his leg and couldn’t work. His pitch is outside M&S on Lemon Quay in Truro. He was among those who attended Specsavers Truro’s special clinic, accompanied by his faithful labrador Bracken.

“The clinic was brilliant,” he said. “They were really nice and they were happy for me to have Bracken with me, which I was glad about because we’re never apart.

“The opticians said my eyes had deteriorated, so I needed new glasses. I’ve got to go back to get them when they’re ready. They’ll make a big difference to my life.

“Clinics like this really are needed. People experiencing homelessness will always struggle to get eyecare otherwise.”