A new partnership has been created between local opticians Haine & Smith and regional charity Alabaré to provide the homeless with free eye care and spectacles.

After being named as its charity of the year, Haine & Smith will be supporting Alabaré’s work with homeless and vulnerable people across the county, by offering free eye examinations to all of its residents.

The plan is to hold ‘pop-up’ centres in different Alabaré locations, to carry out sight tests and then provide residents with free glasses if needed.

The pilot for the campaign was held at Unity House in Chippenham on Wednesday, September 29.

Anna Lewin, clinical lead optometrist at Haine & Smith, said: “As this was our first location, we were a little unsure how many patients would come to see us, but it’s been really well received, and we have tested six people.

"My first patient was really apprehensive as she thought she was going blind, but we’ve managed to reassure her that she just needs some glasses to help with watching the TV.

"It seems such a small thing to a lot of us, but actually I think it’s going to make a big difference to her life.”

If the eye examination shows glasses are required, the patient will be able to choose from the frames available and Haine & Smith will return once the prescription has been added, to fit the glasses to the new owner. The frames taken to Unity House were a mixture of brand-new pairs donated by Wolf Eyewear, and recycled pairs from Haine & Smith patients.

Lisa Thomas, health and welfare co-ordinator at Alabaré, said: “We’re so happy with how the day went and this new partnership will certainly help enhance our resident’s wellbeing.

"Not only does it give them the much-needed eye care they’re missing, it will also help them tremendously with their confidence."

To make sure there are enough frames available for all those needing them, the two organisations are asking for donations from members of the public for their old, unwanted glasses.

Due to only needing the frames, both prescription glasses and sunglasses can be donated as the glass will be removed and recycled responsibly.

If the examination shows glasses are required, the patient will be able to choose from those frames available.

Haine & Smith will return once the prescription has been added to fit the glasses to the new owner.

It is hoped the new initiative can also be opened up to those living on the streets and not just in sheltered accommodation.

Miss Thomas said: "As word gets round the homes, we’re expecting more and more residents to come for a test, and hopefully, in the future, this could also be opened up to those living on the streets, not just in sheltered accommodation.”

Haine & Smith has branches in Amesbury, Chippenham, Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Trowbridge and Warminster.