Barcelona’s pilot eye care project Ulls propers (Eyes Nearby), led by Ulls del món, Arrels Fundació, and the Department of Health, has completed its first phase, providing eye health services to 97 people experiencing homelessness.
The initiative identified a significant unmet need for visual care: 88% of those examined required glasses, with 39% needing them for both near and distance vision. A total of 122 pairs of prescription glasses were provided free of charge through collaboration with General Optica.
Additionally, 16% of participants, 16 individuals, were referred to the public health system for serious conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, and ocular hypertension. Referrals were directed to Hospital Clínic and Hospital de l'Esperança.
Breaking Barriers to Eye Health
The barriers that hinder access to eye health do not only exist in low- and middle-income countries. Here too, there are vulnerable people who, despite having the right to healthcare, cannot always access it on equal terms.
, Anna Barba Giró, director of Ulls del món
The project complements public healthcare by enabling early detection and direct referral pathways. It also trained Arrels Fundació staff in basic eye health, with volunteer ophthalmologists and optometrists delivering screenings on-site.
Restoring Sight and Dignity
When a person lives on the street, checking their visual health often gets relegated. This project has allowed many of the people we support to take care of their visual health again.
, Bea Fernández, director of Arrels Fundació
Supported by the Department of Health and delivered through cross-sector collaboration, the pilot demonstrated the feasibility of bringing specialist eye care directly to vulnerable populations.
Positive outcomes have opened the possibility for the project to expand to other vulnerable groups and regions, aiming to institutionalise accessible eye health services in social care settings across Catalonia.
Reported by diaricatalunya.cat, Fundació Ulls del món, Diari Catalunya.
