05 December 2025
As an ophthalmic director for Specsavers Home Visits’ Cobham office, Kejal Shah spends her days attending to patients’ eye care needs whilst driving through southeast England – from South London out into Hampshire and Kent, via the leafy Surrey Hills.
Here, Shah tells OT why domiciliary optometry is her chosen mode of practice – and why providing eye care within patients’ homes is so rewarding.
When and why did you decide to become a domiciliary optometrist?
I started domiciliary approximately 10 years ago. I really wanted a change from the store environment and domiciliary was a perfect opportunity, offering variety and a change of scene on a daily basis.
What do you enjoy most about domiciliary optometry and why?
I really value the opportunity to provide essential eye care directly in patients’ homes, rather than within the four walls of a testing room. It’s rewarding to build strong connections with patients in surroundings that are familiar to them. It makes a real difference to their comfort, independence, and quality of life.
It’s rewarding to build strong connections with patients in surroundings that are familiar to them
What would you change about domiciliary optometry and why?
I would like to see greater public awareness and recognition of domiciliary optometry, as many people who could benefit from it are unaware that the service even exists. Raising awareness would help more vulnerable individuals access vital eye care and maintain their independence.
What is the most common misconception you hear about domiciliary optometry and what do you say to demystify it?
People often assume that a home eye test is less thorough than one in a practice. I explain that domiciliary optometrists use specialised portable equipment and follow the same clinical standards, ensuring patients receive equally comprehensive and high-quality care.
What is your most memorable moment as a domiciliary optometrist?
One that really stands out was helping an elderly bedbound lady see clearly for the first time in many years. Improving her vision meant she could see photos of her great grandchildren clearly for the first time. Witnessing the joy that it brought to her and her family was incredibly rewarding.
Improving her vision meant she could see photos of her great grandchildren clearly for the first time
What has been your most challenging moment as a domiciliary optometrist and why?
Assessing a patient with severe or complex health needs in a home environment that is not well-suited for clinical testing can be really tricky sometimes. It requires a lot of adaptability and creative problem-solving to deliver safe, thorough care, whilst still making the patient feel comfortable and supported.
On the road with Specsavers in Surrey
OT spent the day with Specsavers Home Visits, visiting Bernard, Jack, Jill, Henry, Emma, Anthony, Florence and Arthur
What is the one piece of advice you would give to those considering domiciliary optometry?
I would encourage every optometrist to try domiciliary work, as it offers a unique perspective on patient care that you just can’t get in practice. The variety, rewarding experiences, and impact you make on patients’ daily lives are invaluable and often eye-opening.
What is the piece of kit you could not live without and why?
I love my Panoptic ophthalmoscope for a domiciliary setting. It offers a wider field of view, allowing a clearer examination of the retina, even through small pupils, making it easier to detect and assess ocular health conditions.
Optometrist delivers eye care to 1700 people in Kenya
Kejal Shah led an eye clinic providing sight tests and spectacles to people in Kisumu during a three-day trip
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