• AS we look forward to spending Christmas with loved ones and friends, it is also a time of year we try to do our best for those in need.

May I ask readers to spare a thought for the homeless, and those who find their sight deteriorating?

One-third of homeless people qualify for NHS eye care. Yet they are seven times more likely to need care for serious eye problems because of the rough conditions they endure.

Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) is a wonderful charity that provides free assessment and eye care through its eight volunteer-led optical clinics.

If readers would like to support the work of VCHP this Christmas, they can make a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1004269

It will help people who have already lost their homes. Don’t let them lose their sight as well.

SYED KAMALL
Conservative MEP for London