Specsavers and Crisis research finds nearly half of homeless people in UK and Ireland experience worsening eyesight or hearing

Research by Specsavers and Crisis indicates that 47% of surveyed individuals experiencing homelessness in the UK and Republic of Ireland reported deteriorating sight or hearing, while 21% developed new issues. The study, conducted with 292 participants in August and September 2026, identified cost as the primary barrier to care for 36% of respondents, alongside transport challenges and competing priorities. Rough sleepers were most affected, with 80% stating free or low-cost devices would have helped. Specsavers’ Charity VIP scheme, available across all UK and Ireland practices since 2023, has supported over 7,000 people. Company leaders emphasized that systemic access requires collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and the optical sector, noting no single solution fits all experiences.