It was fun and an honour to meet Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, the well-known opticians with stores here in Worthing and Arun.
I remember the battle to make it possible for average people to be able to buy reading glasses off the shelf and not be forced to attend costly appointments for what is as simple as reading a book.
We commend Specsavers for their work with The Big Issue and other homelessness services to improve access to care, including better sight and hearing. This matters most for those who are in receipt of benefits without a permanent address.
Removing barriers helps to create long-term solutions. Eligibility for free eye tests and glasses could include homeless people. If NHS glasses are broken, lost or stolen during homelessness, free replacements could be offered.
It should also be possible to fix the General Optical Services rules that require the optometrist to give 48 hours notice before visiting two patients at home or in a Home, with three weeks before seeing three patients. Constituents will know that I continue to be a voice for common sense solutions in Parliament and out.
