One of the best things about optics from a journalistic point of view is that the sheer variety of the industry means it can always throw new experiences your way. Recently, I got the latest such opportunity when I spent a day on the road with a domiciliary optometrist visiting patients in the Surrey countryside.
Now, I think its fair to say that I’ve engaged with the provision of eye care in a patient’s home a decent amount during my time with Optician.
I’ve interviewed lots of people employed in various aspects of domiciliary eye care, am well-versed as to the topical issues in the field, and I’ve often thought long and hard about the difference the service must make to vulnerable people.
However, despite being theoretically well-prepped to dispassionately observe the life of a domiciliary optometrist, I found the experience extremely affecting. Thinking about it later, it was clear to me that this was due to the unprecedented glimpse I was afforded into the lives of actual domiciliary patients.
It’s hard to overstate the joy that a pair of prescription frames can bring to a person housebound with Parkinson’s disease whose main pleasure in life is watching the films of Alfred Hitchcock.
I ended the day feeling distinctly envious of the optometrists who get to make such a difference in this setting. Look out for a full report in our upcoming Workplace Guide, which will be distributed with the September 22 issue of Optician.
Finally, I would like to thank Optician columnist Mentoris, who is departing after four years with the magazine. I know many readers have found the monthly business-related insights offered by Mentoris invaluable and recommend reading his final words of wisdom and to find out the identity of the person behind the pseudonym.