Making a difference, one home visit at a time

Meet Kalpesh Mistry, domiciliary optometry partner in Kent. He shares how providing home visits became a passion, not just a job.

With over a decade of experience in home visits, Kalpesh has dedicated his career to bringing eye care directly to the homes of those who need it most. His role involves much more than just clinical expertise; it’s about building connections, adapting to unique situations, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Here, Kalpesh offers a glimpse into his fulfilling career, sharing the motivations, challenges, and rewarding moments that define his daily work.

“I’ve been a Domiciliary Optometrist for 13 years now and I joined Specsavers when they first started up the home visits service. I didn’t plan on becoming a partner in the business, but when head office approached me about it, it was an easy decision because I love my job. I haven’t looked back.”

A passion for the open road

“I love the fresh air and being on the road—it means there’s unmatched flexibility. If I see an ice cream van- I’m stopping! Not many jobs can offer you that perk” he reflects. “The drives between appointments are my podcast time—one of my colleagues even learned Spanish. Our patch in Kent has so many beautiful coastal spots, so sometimes I even start my day with a stroll along the beach. The job stays the same, but discovering new places and meeting different people makes each day unique.

Small gestures make a big difference

“I’d say that the hardest bit about my job is walking into someone’s home and not knowing what to expect. The other day, for example, I visited a patient who was bedridden. Coordinating with the optical assistants to ensure his comfort in a tight space was tricky, but ultimately rewarding. He mentioned he couldn’t see his TV, so we repositioned it for him and it felt good knowing I’d helped. Sometimes, we’re the only human interaction our patients have all day, so even small gestures make a big difference.

The impact we make is profound

“It’s hard to pick just one standout moment because every day brings its own rewards. Every day, I see the difference our service makes, and it reminds me why I do the job I do. The impact we make is profound. Just recently, a local lady thanked me for taking my time with her, calling our service a blessing.”