Hartlepool opticians makes commitment to Crisis as it extends its volunteering support to a whole year of eye and ear clinics

Colleagues at Specsavers Hartlepool have been regular volunteers at the charity’s Christmas clinics, with January 2025 set to be their sixth time giving their time and expertise.

Retail director Steven Wheatley and ophthalmic director Cian Murphy have offered their clinical assistance and care to Crisis’ Newcastle Skylight Centre for the past two years.

The pair provide free eye and ear health checks to those experiencing homelessness in the city and do follow-up appointments to fit people with glasses.

The store has now made a commitment to Crisis to provide staff for one clinic per month throughout 2025.

The directors at the Hartlepool store hope they can lead by example in the North East and encourage at least one member of staff from different stores in the region to join them each month.

Not only do Steven and Cian want more of their colleagues to get involved, but they also want to ensure each store is aware of the great work Crisis do and have a better understanding of what homelessness is and the impact it has on peoples' lives.

Specsavers Hartlepool retail director Steven Wheatley says: ‘We were supposed to help once a year to begin with, but as we got a better understanding of Crisis and their work, we wanted to offer more support.

“We’re delighted to continue working with this invaluable charity and further commit

more time throughout 2025. It feels good to be doing our bit to assist Crisis in their vital work helping people currently experiencing homelessness.

“It’s hard to get your head around the work Crisis do when you see it up close, but it’s important we spread awareness. Most people, when they think of homelessness, think of people rough sleeping, but it’s so much more. It's a real eye opener.

“Unfortunately, homelessness is really prevalent in the North East and it’s something we see in our community every day. Therefore, we really do care about this wider issue and making our time available to help the fantastic people at Crisis, it’s a no-brainer.”

The latest Crisis at Christmas eye and ear clinic will be held at the Skylight Centre, Newcastle on Monday 16 December.

To book an appointment or speak to a member of the team at Specsavers Hartlepool store, visit or call 01429 233 444.