London optician services

Volunteer opticians from Vision Care hold a free weekly optician practice in Crisis Skylight London.

Vision Care

Date: Monday 2 - 7 pm

Location: Basement Meeting Room

Bookings must be made for an eye test and these are held from 2.30 - 7 pm.

If the list is full you can book for the following week from 9am the next day (Tuesday).

You can do either of these by ringing Crisis Reception Desk on 020 7426 3804/5650 or by coming in person to the centre.

If you are just collecting spectacles or need a repair you can turn up without an appointment. In these cases come to the centre at 2 pm.

More about Vision Care's aims and objectives.

The benefits of eye care

Everybody should have a routine eye examination every two years. An eye examination is not only a sight test to find out whether you need glasses, but it is also a health screening.

Eye tests can reveal health problems like diabetes

As well as testing for  eye problems we can also detect high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Some people need more frequent eye examinations: for example people who are over 70, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes, who should be seen every year.

Nearly everyone at some point will need glasses

Nearly every person at some point in their life will need glasses. Some people may need them all the time. Nearly everyone needs them as they get older because the lens inside the eye hardens and loses the ability to focus for reading. Most people over the age of 40 will need reading glasses.

Health of the eyes depends on many things including genetics, diet and lifestyle. Homeless people tend to have a poor diet, so often the immune system is compromised and they are much more prone to illness. Too much alcohol, tobacco or drugs can also damage the eyes.