By Sarah Klein
Siloam Mission has opened this optometry clinic at its downtown Winnipeg shelter to help the city's homeless population suffering from poor eyesight. (HANDOUT)
Winnipeg’s homeless population will have access to eye care thanks to a new clinic at Siloam Mission.
The homeless shelter has opened a volunteer-run optometry clinic to offer free eye checkups to its clients, helping serve more than half its guests who struggle with poor eyesight.
The grand opening of the clinic will take place at 11 a.m. this morning at 300 Princess Street.
“Most people that experience homelessness or poverty simply don’t have access to eye care or can’t afford going to an optometrist,” said Siloam’s executive director Floyd Perras in a release. “If you’re on low or fixed income, where in this city can you find free optometry? The need for eye care among Winnipeg’s less fortunate is bigger than the supply.”
Eye care is just one of many health services being offered the shelter. The Saul Sair Health Centre has been offering holistic health care, including primary care, dentistry, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, foot care and health education since 2007.
Pearle Vision will provide glasses free of charge through Siloam’s optometry clinic to those who need them. Checkups will be offered once a month and a waiting list for appointments has already been created to meet demand.
