“My first experience of domiciliary care was while at university”

When and why did you decide to become a domiciliary optometrist?

My first experience of domiciliary care was while at university. I was working in a practice at the weekends, where I had the chance to accompany the optometrist for the day. I later began my career in domiciliary in September of 2021, opting for a change in scenery after working in practice.

What do you enjoy most about domiciliary optometry and why?

I really enjoy the rewarding nature of the role, where I feel I’m making a positive impact on my patients’ lifestyle. I’m able to show my patients first-hand the difference that glasses can make to the specific tasks they get up to in their day-to-day. I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.

As I drive between patients, it’s great to be out and about discovering new places. It breaks up the day nicely.

What would you change about domiciliary optometry and why?

I really wish domiciliary care was spoken about more. Very little was said about home visits during my time at university, and I feel many students graduate without even considering going into domiciliary care. It would be great if, alongside hospital placements at university, they also included a domiciliary placement where students get an insight into that area of optometry.

What is the most common misconception you hear about domiciliary optometry and what do you say to demystify it?

That it’s much more difficult than working in practice. I really feel it’s no more effort with the home visits, and the positives well outweigh the negatives.

At the end of the day, it’s all about settling into a routine. If anything, it’s a lot more relaxed. I get to spend time with each patient for the whole journey, from history and symptoms to the dispense if needed. There’s no queue of patients outside my test room waiting to be seen.

I get to spend time with each patient for the whole journey, from history and symptoms to the dispense

What is your most memorable moment as a domiciliary optometrist?

My favourite moment by far was in fact testing a retired optometrist who had a practice in their own home. Seeing the test chart still on the wall and equipment they used was amazing.

What has been your most challenging moment as a domiciliary optometrist and why?

The most challenging moments I get are when a patient requires onward referral for treatment, yet declines any further action – whether it be down to their mobility, age, or something else. Coming to terms with this is never easy. 

What is the one piece of advice you would give to those considering domiciliary optometry?

Go for it. You’ll never know what it’s like until you give it a chance.

What is the piece of kit you could not live without and why?

I absolutely love the panoptic ophthalmoscope – a piece of equipment I didn’t even know existed before I entered the domiciliary role. It gives me a greater field of view than the traditional ophthalmoscope. My patients also much prefer it as it has a greater working distance making the experience a lot more comfortable.