From the front room: Technically speaking

Working in domiciliary really helps you to understand the social value of what optometrists can deliver. We help to preserve patients’ autonomy, promote self-actualisation and improve quality of life.

Domiciliary gives you a broader view of society. You get to meet some incredible people and hear some incredible stories. When you visit a person in their home, you see more of their life than just their eyes.
It’s very satisfying work because you really can make a difference – sometimes in unexpected ways. Two examples from the last few weeks include a visit to see an elderly patient who’d been sectioned under the Mental Health Act because he was having hallucinations. In fact, he wasn’t mentally ill at all – he had very dense cataracts and was suffering from Charles Bonnet Syndrome which caused his hallucinations. Another day, I examined a patient whose lips were turning blue – it turned out to be carbon monoxide poisoning from an unserviced fireplace. I was glad to be able to help both times.