“Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities”

To find out more about the experience of dividing the working week between High Street practice and hospital, OT heard from Irinder Khakha, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Hayes and Hayes Lombardy, and specialist optometrist in The Hillingdon NHS Hospitals Trust.

Irinder Khakha

Irinder Khakha

I am the ophthalmic director at Specsavers Hayes and Hayes Lombardy, and a specialist optometrist at the Hillingdon and Mount Vernon Hospitals, part of The Hillingdon NHS Hospitals Trust. I work one day a week in the hospital and spend the remaining four days divided between the two practices, two days in each.

This variety allows me to experience a diverse range of cases, environments, and complexity, ensuring that I stay well-rounded and adaptable. It keeps my work fresh and engaging, preventing it from ever becoming mundane. The constant change in setting and patient needs ensures that each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities.

What influenced your decision to build your career in such a way?

My decision was driven by a desire to gain a broad spectrum of experience. Working in a hospital exposes me to more complex medical cases and allows me to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

In contrast, working in a community practice environment has let me build long-term relationships with patients, focus on the local community, build and develop practices, assemble and manage strong, cohesive teams, and enjoy the flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities as a practice owner.

Is this a path you are seeing other optometrists also taking?

Yes, this work pattern is becoming more common among optometrists. Many see the value in diversifying their professional experiences and skillsets by working in different settings. Hospitals are increasingly utilising optometrists who are working more autonomously in specialist clinics and employing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities

What do you see as the benefits of having roles in both community and hospital optometry?

In the community, I enjoy the continuity of care and the ability to develop strong patient relationships. In the hospital, I benefit from exposure to more complex cases and the opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. This combination keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.

Are there any challenges to dividing your time in this way?

One of the main challenges is managing time effectively. Balancing the different demands and expectations of each setting can be tricky. There’s also the logistical aspect of commuting between locations, which requires good organisation and time management skills.

Have you undertaken any additional qualifications which you feel have supported your career journey?

I have an MSc in clinical optometry, a diploma in independent prescribing, and postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma and medical retina. These qualifications have significantly enhanced my ability to diagnose, formulate management plans and treat a wide array of ocular conditions, allowing me to practice with a high level of autonomy and manage often difficult and complicated cases to resolution.

How do you view the opportunities to progress in hospital optometry? How does this compare to community practice?

In hospital optometry, there are ample opportunities for specialisation and involvement in research, teaching, and management roles. In community practices, the progression can involve supervisory and management roles and practice ownership. Both paths offer rewarding career advancement, albeit in different ways.

What might you say to others thinking of pursuing both hospital and community optometry roles?

I would encourage them to embrace the diversity of experiences that come with working in both settings. While it can be challenging to manage, the professional growth and satisfaction from such a varied career are immensely rewarding. Additional qualifications and strong organisational skills will be invaluable in navigating this path successfully. Furthermore, hospital experience will positively affect your primary care work by equipping you with advanced skills and knowledge applicable to various situations.

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