A Swindon charity is providing eye health checks for the homeless community.

OutsideClinic has teamed up with Alternative Angels, a Swindon-based charity, to offer this service to those in need.

The initiative is in the run-up to National Eye Health Week (September 23-29), which serves as a reminder to book in regular eye checks and preventative care to maintain vision as well as possible.

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On Monday (September 16), the organisations were both at the Pilgrim Centre in Swindon, where the charity serves meals to the homeless.

Matt Burford, an optician from OutsideClinic, conducted several eye health checks for those in need.

He said: "Access to quality healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege.

"Eye health is often overlooked, especially in vulnerable communities, and we hope to make a meaningful difference by providing these essential services."

He added: "It was incredibly rewarding to offer health assessments to individuals who might not otherwise have access to this kind of care.

"These checks could identify potential health concerns, and even if we were able to help just one person today, we created a positive change and made a tangible difference in their life."

OutsideClinic, whose headquarters are based in Swindon, were able to provide an examination of overall eye health checking for broader health issues such as diabetes and hypertension—conditions that can often be detected during an eye examination.

Individuals were then signposted to appropriate services or healthcare professionals for further support.

The initiative also brought to light personal stories of individuals who benefited from the service.

Linda, who was worried about her eye health, was reassured during her screening and learned that, as someone over 60, she is eligible for a free NHS eye test.

Another individual, Joao, was delighted when OutsideClinic was able to tighten his glasses, which had been slipping down his nose.

During his screening, early signs of cataracts were also identified.

Mr Burford said: "It was a wonderful evening providing this service to those in need.

"Everyone was so lovely and had a different story to tell.

"The work that Alternative Angels do is truly remarkable, and we were glad to be a small part of it."

Founded in 2016 by three friends who understood the effects of housing instability, the charity supports approximately 100 people every Monday and Tuesday, providing home-cooked meals, snacks, and sandwiches, and also offering a compassionate ear for those in need.