OutsideClinic, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing provider of domiciliary eye and hearing care are dedicated to supporting colleague development in their mission to become the best place to work in optics and audiology and Sam Millen’s career progression from Optical Dispenser to Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) showcases the company’s dedication.

Sam’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to pursue their dream career with the support of a company committed to investing in their future and he is just one of the many OutsideClinic colleagues who have been given the opportunity to grow and advance in their chosen fields and feature in our Colleague Growth Blog Series. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Sam’s experience and how OutsideClinic has helped him achieve his goals.

Sam began working as an Optical Dispenser for the company in 2006, as Sam’s knowledge and skills grew, he took on various roles, including Optical Trainer, Audiology Trainer, and Commercial Manager. Fast forward to today, and he is now a newly qualified HAD and “living his best life.” Let’s explore into how he got to where he is today.

Sam started his career at OutsideClinic in his early 20s working as a Dispenser, where he gained on-the-job training from the optometrists he worked with. He eventually became an Optical Trainer and moved into Commercial and Training Management roles. In 2013, Sam was asked to support the audiology team, where he discovered a new healthcare sector that he felt passionate about and began a unique split role between optical and audiology. As the audiology team grew, Sam progressed and became an Audiology Trainer and, later, a Training and Commercial Manager. Then two years ago, with the help of OutsideClinic, Sam began his studies on the Hearing Aid Audiology Foundation degree to become an HAD. Fast forward to today, and Sam is now a qualified HAD with the company after passing with a distinction in January 2023.

When reflecting on the significance of self-development and the opportunities that OutsideClinic has offered, Sam stated: “Self-development is essential. Where I find myself today is down to the development opportunities afforded to me, and I am very grateful. Without OutsideClinic, I would not be where I am today. The company itself has changed a lot in the last two years, they have grown, and I am pleased to say that I have too. My career has taken on a whole new path, and essentially, I am starting a new chapter in my career. I am living my best life, and I think my goal now is to enjoy the moment and embrace this feeling as much as possible.”

Sam’s story inspires anyone who wants to pursue their dream career. It shows that with the right company and support, you can achieve your goals. OutsideClinic has grown immensely over the last few years and with the support of their owners, aim to become the best place to work in optics and audiology. With access to the very latest mobile technology, support from departments across the company and a focus on colleague wellbeing, the organisation provides its people with a chance to thrive while making a real difference to the lives of its patients. 

Established over 35 years ago, Sam’s new role as an HAD, joins a growing team of industry-leading clinicians across the UK, delivering over 200,000 clinics in people’s homes every year, helping the company reach its mission to ensure everyone who needs it has access to clinically excellent optometry and audiology services in the comfort of their own homes. Sam commented on his new role as HAD and the difference he is making to people’s lives: “Helping someone with a hearing loss hear to the best of their ability and improve their quality of life. That’s what it’s all about.”  

OutsideClinic’s investment in Sam’s career development highlights its commitment to its employees’ growth and progress. Sam’s experience shows that the company values its employees and is willing to invest in them. We hope that Sam’s journey inspires others to pursue their career aspirations.

If you are looking for a change and want to work for a company that values its colleagues, then visit our careers website to see what opportunities we have available in your area. 

For the latest news and views, visit OutsideClinic.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.