We are here to provide financial assistance and support to optometrists and their dependants in times of hardship.
Our support is usually financial, to help with an immediate crisis such as an unexpected bill or other expense, or it may be to help by supplementing income on an ongoing basis to meet regular outgoings. We can assist by offering a helping hand to put you in contact with the right agencies who will be able to deal with other concerns. This may include help with financial management or debt counselling, drug, alcohol or other addictions, or with the purchase of equipment to meet specific needs, such as a motorised wheelchair, low vision aids etc.
We will consider any application for help. Please contact us in any one of the ways listed on our Contact Us page.
As well as offering financial support, we can also assist in the purchase of equipment to meet specific needs.
In cases where applicants could benefit from assistance in organising and managing their financial affairs, we can direct them towards specialists.
Someone who requires help may apply directly to the Benevolent Fund or may be referred by another party.
Any optometrist, retired optometrist who have been registered with the General Optical Council, a widow or widower of a optometrist or a retired optometrist. We can also help any dependent of an optometrist for financial support. Pre-registration trainees are also eligible to apply for support in exceptional circumstances.
Assistance from OptomHelp may be offered to beneficiaries on an immediate or short-term basis, depending on individual needs. In addition to financial support, the fund may also provide grants for specific needs such as medical equipment, back to work courses, or counselling services.
You can contact OptomHelp directly for guidance on the application process. Support is available via our website, by email or by phone- whichever is most convenient for you.
While financial assistance is a key part of what we do, we offer a holistic approach including connecting people to specialist organisations who can advise on organising and managing finances, and also career support for returning optometrists, or individuals who can no longer practice. Other support can be help with medical support devices such as wheelchairs, IT or low vision aids.
