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Meet the Optometrists
Here is a selection of some of our Optometrists: (please click on a thumbnail to view their profile)
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Sarah MOptom- Optometrist
" As a newly qualified Optometrist I am now coming up to the end of my first year working with The Outside Clinic. After having worked for 6 months in both a hospital & independent practice during my Pre-Reg year I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from working for a domiciliary company but found the idea of being ‘out and about’ visiting people very appealing and really enjoy how varied each day is.
On first joining the company I was genuinely surprised at how supported and well structured the organisation is and was made to feel comfortable very quickly. I think that some Optometrists are worried that by working for a domiciliary company they will not be able to carry out a thorough examination, however with such good equipment, great frame selection and most importantly the amount of time I am able to spend with each patient means that neither I or the patients feel under pressure and the continuity of me being able to perform all tests and follow through to the dispense is something that I know patients value a lot.
With regards to record keeping I think a special mention needs to go to the unique computer software designed specifically for the company which makes everything very straightforward and is by far the best system I have come across. Initially I was a little unsure about was the idea of working by myself all day as it is always nice to have colleagues around you, but I have to say that I have not felt isolated at all as I am regularly in touch with the various departments & am able to meet up with local colleagues in my Peer Support Group. Another thought that came to mind when joining was the fact it is a more physically demanding role carrying and setting up equipment than in a practice however I enjoy the fact it helps to keep me fit and active!
All in all I find my job very rewarding and would without a doubt recommend working for The Outside Clinic to all Optometrists from any background." (back to top)
Matt BSc MCOptom- Optometrist
" Having worked for the Outside Clinic for nearly 5 years I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to work elsewhere. I was newly qualified when I first started plus "a little wet behind the ears". From day one I was supported as much or as little as I required. I have seen The Outside Clinic advance considerably over the years plus with the advent of the tablet PC I am sure we will continue to strive for excellence. The hours may be a little longer than some practice days however the job satisfaction of improving someone's quality of life more than compensates, (of course the remuneration reflects this!)
I feel The Outside Clinic offers more than just a job, it offers a career, the opportunity to further yourself as an optometrist and the opportunity to better yourself as a person. " (back to top)
Geeta BSc (Hons)- Optometrist
"Coming from a background of both high street and hospital optometry I felt the mobile/community optometry environment provided the perfect conduit between two very differing areas of optometry.
The patients make the job so rewarding and you feel that you are able to make a real difference. The job can be hard work, but having to only see 7 patients a day ensures you have the time not only to provide an excellent service but also to build up a meaningful professional rapport with the patient.
Working as part of the professional services team dealing with clinical audits, optical queries, is a refreshing experience and provides a different perspective on optometry. Obviously not having to work any weekends or bank holidays is a great bonus! The company heavily invests in its staff and resources meaning that everyone has the latest equipment and state-of -the-art computer software, making testing a joy. There is also plenty of scope for professional development at the Outside Clinic as you are always supported and encouraged to progress both personally and professionally." (back to top)
Rachael BSc MCOptom - Optometrist
I joined the Outside Clinic just over 4 years ago after working in a high street opticians. At that stage I was ready for a change and a new challenge in my career. It was my first experience of community optometry work and right from the start I knew this was a change in the right direction.
The job is challenging but so rewarding, my job satisfaction is high when I realise how much improvement I can make to someone's quality of life. All of our patients face different health problems, so being able to keep check on the health of their eyes and provide them with the best type of glasses for them to optimise their vision is important.
Just over a year ago I joined the company's professional services department, whilst I still do clinics four days a week I now also work one day a week in professional services. The main role of the professional services department is to ensure all our opticians are maintaining the very high clinical standard expected from them. We also help to resolve any patient problems. I routinely visit other optometrists out in the field and perform routine observations, this is important both to ensure the tests are being performed in a comprehensive manner but also provides an opportunity to give support to our staff. It allows early identification of any concerns that can be quickly and easily resolved in many cases. I also work in the office where the professional services team provide an aftercare service to help to resolve any clinical queries or difficulties from patients or members of the patient services team. This helps to keep the problems away from the optometrists in the field allowing them to concentrate on their daily clinics.
I enjoy being actively involved with the support of other optometrists within the company and this role in professional services allows me to do this in addition to my usual role as an optometrist. (back to top)
Stuart BSc MCOptom - Optometrist
I joined The Outside Clinic two and a half years ago after being a partner in a large city centre practice. Too many hours working weekends, bank holidays and evenings meant I did not see as much of my family as I wished. Although a big decision to sell out and change my career path, I feel it was the right decision.
Having started as a Dispensing Optician and then studied Optometry, I still utilise most of the skills and knowledge that I have gained as I conduct eye examinations and dispense spectacles and LVAs. My working hours now are great and much better for family life, plus having every weekend off is still a novelty! The experience gained in various management positions and as a practice director has not been wasted either.
I spend at least one day per week involved with Professional Services with The Outside Clinic completing clinical audits, solving patient queries, observing or supporting other optometrists and the occasional presentation on the importance of eye care. The company has also been extremely flexible with the working week and this has enabled me to take up a position as an Optometric Adviser for one day per week. Overall, a very varied but enjoyable working life! (back to top)
Simon BSc MCOptom - Optometrist
"I joined the Outside Clinic in 2007 having worked all my career on the high street. I qualified from UMIST in 1999 and moved back to my native North East to work. When the opportunity came along to join the Outside Clinic I was initially impressed by the patient focused attitude and high level of clinical support. There is a very friendly team who are constantly striving to improve our working environment. The other benefit is that I don't have to work weekends allowing me to spend more time with my family and play more cricket in the summer. The company is also dedicated to having good equipment and IT. We have new tablet computers with battery powered printers, FDT fields and ICARE contact tonometers.
I find my job very rewarding as many patients have not been tested for some time and are delighted with the change I can make to their lifestyle. I generally see only 7 patients per day allowing me time to give a thorough eye test and advice on their eye health and prescription. I also have a great range of frames, lens choice and magnifiers allowing me to fulfil all the patients needs. I am now a peer group leader of optometrists in my region allowing me to help and support my colleagues. I am looking forward to the new challenge and hope to help the company grow and develop in the future." (back to top)
Rachel BSc (Hons)- Optometrist
"I joined The Outside Clinic in July 2009 having only worked in a high street multiple beforehand. Initially I was apprehensive about working in community optometry as I expected it to be very different from the working environment that I was used to. But it is this difference that I really enjoy. Every day presents new challenges, lots of variety, and a great deal of job satisfaction."(back to top)
