The newest issue of Big Issue has been given a supersized makeover as part of a campaign to remove barriers to eye care and hearing care for people experiencing homelessness. Created in partnership with Specsavers, the limited-edition BIGGER Issue has seen 3,000 oversized copies printed at double the magazine’s standard size.
On the cover is Big Issue vendor Mihaela, who has lived experience of sight conditions. She is pictured both blurred and sharply in focus, a striking visual representation of what it can be like to live with uncorrected vision problems. The BIGGER Issue has been designed to bring often-overlooked obstacles to eye and hearing care into clear view, while also marking the nationwide expansion of Specsavers’ Charity VIP Service.
Research carried out among people experiencing homelessness found that one in three have a sight condition, while 44% have either never had an eye test or have not had one for at least five years.
Although 66% are eligible for NHS-funded eye care, many continue to struggle to get the help they need. Barriers can include feeling uncomfortable about attending essential appointments.
The Charity VIP scheme first launched in November 2022, offering free eye and hearing care to Big Issue vendors. It has now been widened to support anyone experiencing homelessness across the UK and Ireland. People who want to access the service can go to their local Specsavers store and ask staff about the scheme, or fill in a simple online form.
Specsavers stores across the UK will share copies of the BIGGER Issue with local homelessness charities, helping the campaign reach people who may benefit from the free support available.
Jack Osborne-Richardson, a Big Issue vendor from Bristol, said: “Throughout my life, accessing eye care has been a real challenge because I’ve never stayed in one place long enough to register. As a result, I often wore the wrong prescription, suffered from headaches, and constantly felt unsafe.
“The partnership between Big Issue and Specsavers has been incredibly helpful. The appointment was free and easy to arrange, and the staff made me feel welcome and supported throughout.”
“Getting the right glasses has made a huge difference to my life. I’m now able to read more easily, interact confidently with the public while selling Big Issue, and, most importantly, I feel safer and less vulnerable.”
The research of 45 people experiencing homelessness also found that 75% of people who have accessed the programme’s eye health clinics since its launch required glasses.
Meanwhile, 10% of recipients required a referral to a hospital or GP, almost three times the rate seen on the high street.
Catherine Parsons, managing director at Big Issue, said: “We have spent the past 35 years working towards ending poverty in the UK and Ireland and creating more opportunities for people experiencing homelessness.
“Health and wellbeing are a critical part of this. Better sight and better hearing shouldn’t be a privilege; they’re a foundation for someone rebuilding their independence, finding work or reconnecting with the world around them.”
The scheme also provides hearing care for people experiencing homelessness, including free hearing checks, hearing protection, ear wax removal and hearing devices where required.
Research found 89% of people experiencing homelessness have experienced pain or discomfort in their ears, while 86% reported buzzing or ringing sounds, a potential sign of hearing loss.
In addition, 57% of Big Issue vendors do not know where to access audiology support, with barriers including digital booking systems, long waiting lists and a lack of GP registration.
Carina Hummel, managing director optics at Specsavers, which has helped more than 7,000 people receive free eye and hearing care through the initiative, said: “Our purpose is to change lives through better sight and hearing by making care accessible and affordable for everyone.
“We understand that people affected by homelessness are at higher risk of eye and hearing problems, yet encounter significant barriers when trying to access care.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our Charity VIP service across the UK and Ireland, providing a free and judgement-free way for people to access eye and hearing care.”
