I prioritise what matters most in Home Visits

After more than a decade working in optics across busy, changing territories, Natasha took a step back to focus on her family during a difficult time. Now, as a domiciliary optometrist, she’s rediscovered her passion for patient care, finding more meaning, flexibility and connection in her day-to-day role.

The beginning

“The very start of my optical journey was in Specsavers where I worked as an Optical Assistant, before started my pre-registration year in Belfast within another large optical provider. After qualifying, I moved into a mobile role across different regions. I worked between Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and sometimes Wales, with territories changing regularly.

I enjoyed the variety at first, but over time that constant change, combined with the pressure of targets, started to take its toll. I’d been there around 12 years when my priorities shifted. I now have twin boys, and after returning from maternity leave, family life naturally became my focus.

Then one of my sons became seriously unwell with chickenpox complications and was admitted to intensive care. Thankfully he made a good recovery, but it was a frightening time. His coordination, ability to walk, and speech were impacted, and he needed ongoing support.

During that period, work just wasn’t something I could focus on. I made the decision to step away and put my family first. I took a role in a school for a few months, which gave me something low-pressure and flexible while I supported my boys. At the same time, I knew I wasn’t completely fulfilled in my previous role anymore and had been considering a change even before everything happened.

Why domiciliary

I had actually reached out to Specsavers recruitment before my son became unwell, as I was curious about domiciliary roles. Then, the following year, I was contacted about an opportunity.

At that point I had taken myself off the GOC register and needed to complete my CPD before returning, so there was a delay before I could start. But I arranged a shadow day, and that’s what really confirmed it for me.

I realised straight away how different the pace felt. You have time to communicate properly. You’re in people’s homes, which naturally creates more conversation and connection. I’ve had patients open up to me about loneliness, and because of how the day is structured, you can give that time when it’s needed.

That was a big turning point. It reminded me why I chose to become an optometrist in the first place, to care for people, not just deliver appointments.

Misconceptions and realities

One of my initial concerns was around the lack of high-tech equipment compared to a store environment. You’re used to tools like OCT and retinal cameras and having that immediate access to everything.

Moving into domiciliary, you have to rely more on clinical judgement and manual techniques. That was definitely a learning curve. In the first few weeks, I had moments of doubting myself, wondering if I was missing something without that technology.

But over time, you learn to trust your skills. In a way, it brings you back to the fundamentals of optometry.

There are also the realities people often focus on. You are going into care homes, supporting patients with complex needs, including dementia. Not every interaction is easy, and some situations can be challenging or emotional.

But those stories don’t always balance the positives. The laughs, the gratitude, the moments where you genuinely make someone’s day. You see the difference you’re making right in front of you, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

Finding the right fit

For me, the biggest difference is the sense of purpose.

Earlier in my career whilst working for a competitor, there was a strong focus on targets and performance measures, and while that’s part of any business, it sometimes felt like patient care came second.

In domiciliary, I feel like I can prioritise what really matters. I’ve only been here a year, but the feedback, the support and the appreciation make a huge difference. Some days are challenging, but many are incredibly fulfilling.

Advice

If you’re in store and thinking about domiciliary but haven’t taken the leap, I’d say don’t rely on second-hand stories.

Yes, there are challenges, and it’s important to be realistic about that. But there’s also so much positivity that doesn’t always get shared.

The best thing you can do is try it for yourself. A shadow day gives you a real insight into what the role is actually like. For me, it was everything I expected and more, and it made the decision easy.

If you’re even considering it, there’s probably a reason why. It might not be the right path for everyone, but it could be exactly what you’re looking for, like it was for me”.