In these difficult times, an increase in homelessness is a crushing reality. Any little ray of light then must be a blessing. Meet Clare Downes, a local optician, who is helping the homeless by ensuring that receiving good eye care is not yet another obstacle they have to face.

“I’ve always believed that yowu should try and put something back into the community and those who need help the most. Most of us take our sight for granted, but try to imagine a situation where being able to see clearly comes very low in a list of priorities that includes finding a hot meal or a bed for the night.”

Clare opened her opticians in Leith just over a year ago and, whilst ministering to our ocular needs on a day-to-day basis, she pondered how she could best serve the homeless. A chat with NHS colleagues provided the answer; they established a drop-in clinic for the homeless at the Edinburgh Access Centre, offering free eye tests and spectacles.

“It’s been a hugely rewarding experience,” says Clare, “and while we can’t help solve the bigger problems, hopefully we can at least ensure that their vision, or lack of it, is not a further burden.”

www.downesopticians.com