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STEPPER EYEWEAR Supports VCHP Again

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Alison Gordon, VCHP; Peter Reeve, STEPPER; Claire Weir, VCHP, and clinic assistant Akhila Vijayan.


STEPPER EYEWEAR has generously pledged to support Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) again – marking the fifth year of engagement with the charity. This year’s £11,000 donation will be used towards the running costs of the Birmingham clinic, which runs every Monday at SIFA Fireside.


Supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, the charity was delighted to welcome Peter Reeve, UK Managing Director of STEPPER EYEWEAR.  He spent the morning with the local VCHP team, including Clinic manager Claire Weir, clinic assistant Akhila Vijayan, optometrist Sunita Chauhan plus Alison Gordon, VCHP Community & Corporate Fundraiser.


STEPPER’s longstanding support for VCHP – with £43,000 donated in total during the past five years – has brought Peter to spend time talking to the volunteers and finding out more about the regional clinics. These discussions have brought additional donations of frames and sunglasses and suggestions for much-needed equipment suppliers.


Peter Reeve, Managing Director of the Kent-based company explained – “We are delighted to support the vital work VCHP does. That we can help in providing eyecare for the vulnerable in the Birmingham community aligns with our belief that frames are primarily a medical device and that quality eyecare should be available to all.”


Elaine Styles, Chair of Vision Care for Homeless People praised the support – “This donation will make a tangible difference for many people in Birmingham. Our clinic attracts patients from a very broad radius and word has got around that we are in the city and provide a great service.  Our qualified volunteer network at all of our clinics is the backbone of our service.  We are hugely grateful to those who are able to give up a few hours each month to help in their local area – our work can be truly transforming for some vulnerable lives. Being able to see well can be the much-needed first step to removing the barriers and helping to rebuild lives.”


About STEPPER EYEWEAR


Hans Stepper's father opened an optical shop in Stuttgart, Germany in 1936. After working in his father’s practice as a very young man, Hans was encouraged by the German frame manufacturer Metzler to pursue his interest in frame design.


STEPPER EYEWEAR creates frames to meet an individual's fitting requirements for optimal vision correction. STEPPER EYEWEAR remains true to the commitment to providing frames that best meet the ophthalmic needs and style wants of the wearer.


About Vision Care for Homeless People


Vision Care for Homeless People is a charity set up to provide eyecare services to homeless and other vulnerable people in an accessible and friendly environment in which they feel safe, welcome, and comfortable.


VCHP's mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the ocular health of homeless and vulnerable people in the UK who are unwilling or unable to access mainstream services available through the NHS by providing and assisting in the provision of a comprehensive high-quality quality, and free point-of-use ocular health service, including screening and the provision of spectacles, that meets the immediate visual needs of its beneficiaries in a safe, accessible, friendly and comfortable environment


Original link:https://www.opticaljournal.com/stepper-eyewear-supports-vchp-again/