News post

GOC Director gains insight into domiciliary eye care with OutsideClinic

We were honoured to host Carole Auchterlonie, Director of Regulatory Operations at the General Optical Council (GOC), to experience domiciliary eye care firsthand. During her visit, Carole shadowed Ciara, one of our highly skilled optometrists, as she conducted a home eye test, providing Carole with a closer look at the unique challenges and benefits of delivering care directly to patients’ homes.

Carole described the experience as “eye-opening,” praising Ciara’s professionalism and her patient-centred approach.

“Ciara’s professionalism and her ability to keep the patient at the centre of the appointment was fantastic.” Carole said, highlighting the personal touch that is so essential to domiciliary care.

Carole Auchterlonie

Carole observed the practical challenges faced by our optometrists, such as managing appointments in varied environments, visiting patients who may have serious health conditions or limitations when undergoing sight tests and liaising with relatives. 

Following the home visit, Carole visited our head office in Swindon, where she had the chance to meet some of our dedicated support teams. This provided her with further insight into the coordination and behind-the-scenes efforts required to ensure the smooth delivery of domiciliary care.

Carole Auchterlonie, Nick Wingate and Matt Burford
Carole Auchterlonie, Director of Regulatory Operations at the GOC with Nick Wingate, Director of Professional Services at OutsideClinic and Matt Burford, Professional Services Manager at OutsideClinic

Her reflections highlighted the growing importance of domiciliary eye care as the population ages. 

“With people living longer and the rise in conditions like dementia, it’s important that the industry is prepared for this increase in demand.”

Carole Auchterlonie

This visit underscored the vital role of patient care and clinical excellence in the domiciliary sector, values that remain at the heart of OutsideClinic. By combining personalised care with advanced technology, we ensure every patient receives the highest standard of service, both in their homes and through our support infrastructure.

About the GOC

The General Optical Council (GOC) is the regulator for the optical profession in the UK, overseeing the registration of optometrists and dispensing opticians, as well as maintaining high standards of practice. They ensure that professionals in the sector are delivering safe and effective care to patients. The GOC plays a crucial role in the domiciliary sector, particularly as it involves vulnerable patients who rely on receiving eye care in their homes. By regulating and upholding clinical standards, the GOC helps ensure that the care provided in these settings is of the same high quality as that in traditional practice environments.

As we continue to meet the increasing demand for domiciliary care, we remain committed to upholding the values of patient care, safety, and clinical excellence, in line with the standards set by the GOC.

Careers

Become part of the fastest growing and largest domiciliary practice in the UK

Find our more

Find out more

View all

OutsideClinic provides eye health checks for the homeless community

OutsideClinic partnered with Alternative Angels, a Swindon-based charity, to provide free eye health checks to the homeless community. In the lead up to National Eye Health Week, optometrist Matt Burford conducted screenings to identify vision and broader health issues like diabetes and hypertension. Personal stories, including Linda's eligibility for a free NHS eye test and Joao’s cataract detection, highlight the impact of accessible healthcare. With headquarters in Swindon and a lab in Glasgow, OutsideClinic remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities across the UK.

Read more

OutsideClinic provides vital eye care services to Afghan nationals

OutsideClinic provides critical eye care services to Afghan nationals, who arrived under the ARAP scheme, at the Larkhill Garrison Medical Centre. The initiative, organised collectively by the NHS and the Ministry of Defense (MOD), was part of a broader multi-agency effort to support these individuals as they embarked on their new lives in the UK.

Read more

OutsideClinic Achieves IQIPS V2 Accreditation, Demonstrating Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care

OutsideClinic is thrilled to announce its successful transition to the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) Standard Version 2. This prestigious accreditation, to a nationally recognised standard, highlights OutsideClinic's unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional audiology services and providing the highest quality of care to its patients.

Read more