Optician Awards 2016: An outreach service that looks after the community’s eye health

Some of the most vulnerable patient groups in catchment areas do not access the accessible healthcare services available within their communities that could improve quality of life. Bringing these patient groups into a local practice was an issue addressed by the team at St Peter’s.

The director, who was also shortlisted in the Optometrist of the Year category, initiated a domiciliary service for the homeless population in partnership with the NHS Trust. The proposal resulted in the practice becoming part of an alliance of local healthcare professionals, which included locally based GPs, dentists, and nurses. This healthcare for homeless network’s effectiveness caught the attention of the city’s media outlets and drew praise from the local authorities.