Thinking of trying domiciliary?

Thinking of trying domiciliary?

At OutsideClinic we understand that it may seem daunting being out on the road as a domiciliary optometrist if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we take every step possible to ensure our optometrists get the support they need and deserve.

Induction

We offer a four-week minimum induction programme when you start with OutsideClinic.  This is bespoke to each and every optometrist’s needs and involves full-time support from our optometrists and Professional Services team, including an optom support day, which allows you one-on-one time with an optometrist who has lots of experience in domiciliary with OutsideClinic.

Support in the field

We have a training team of over 30 colleagues who are available to support you whilst you work. This on-the-job training has proved to be highly effective as you can share any hurdles you may come across and have them dealt with straight away. The trainers are there to advise and answer any questions before, during or after seeing your patients.

Clinical governance

We believe that it is of the utmost importance to protect our optometrists just as much as our patients. That’s why we carry our regular observations and audits on our field staff to ensure they are continuously adhering to GOC guidelines as well as striving to improve on their skills and patient care, being aware of safeguarding principles at all times.

Professional services

Our professional service optometrists - of which there are at least two in the office daily – for a second opinion, if you wish to discuss a patient’s clinical management plan or just as a sounding board. Treat them as you would your ‘optom next door’ in practice. You can even send them fundus photographs whilst you are with your patient if you’d like them to review and advise on the best course of action.  They also have an administration team supporting them to handle urgent referrals and keep on top of any other referrals you may send through.

Your own Scheduling Assistant

Although you are sent your schedule in advance of your day, just like in practice, things don’t always go to plan, and you may have some cancellations. Don’t worry – our scheduling team will let you know if anything has changed and will make the necessary phone calls to re-route you to another patient close by.

Ask our optom

Matt Burford – Professional Service Optometrist

Matt Burford, one of our Professional Services Optometrists, splits his time between visiting patients in their homes along with providing support to his fellow optometrists across the country.  We asked him about his experience working for OutsideClinic…

Q. What made you choose domiciliary?

To be honest, I kind of fell into it! I knew an Optom who provided domiciliary services at the time, and as I was fairly newly qualified I was looking at career options. She seemed to really enjoy the variety and challenge of the role and so I just thought “Why not give it a go?”. I’m glad I did, and haven’t looked back since.

I feel like I am making a difference to each and every patient, something that I was missing in a high street setting.

Q. What does a typical support day involve?

To sound a bit cliched, no two days are the same. On a typical field based Optom Support day we will split the testing between the two of us. This allows us to observe and to be observed, some people learn more by watching, others by doing. By staying flexible in our style we can adapt to each individual’s needs.

When I am office based, I will be available for any variety of queries that may come in as well as developing and maintaining our clinical governance policy.

Q. What kind of questions do you get asked in Professional Services?

We will get a lot of clinical queries. Largely our demographic is the more elderly patient, these patients are more likely to have ocular conditions and pathology. I find that just through exposure I am able to develop my clinical skills perhaps more quickly than I might have done elsewhere.

However ultimately we are there for any queries that may come our way from GOS regulations to dispensing questions.

Q. How does being a domiciliary optometrist help you in your role as Professional Services optometrist?

I think actually doing the job allows you to have a much better understanding of the challenges that colleagues in the field may face. Even our Director of Professional Services, Nick Wingate, regularly visits patients. This way we can ensure we are not out of touch and can offer hints and tips based on actual experiences.

I hope that I am able to disseminate learnings from the field to head office and vice versa.

So there it is, an insight into the support that all of our optometrists receive.  We have vacancies up and down the country, so if you are looking to get more support, gain new skills and make a difference every day, get in touch with Jim on 01793 648602 or jim@outsideclinic.com