When OutsideClinic acquired Care Opticians in 2022, they welcomed a group of passionate and committed optometrists eager to enhance patient care. Among them was Stephen Pollock, who transitioned from a Care Opticians franchise to a Joint Venture Partner (JVP) with OutsideClinic. Over the past two years, Stephen has expanded his operations, based in Scotland, to become the largest business partner, now leading a team of three full-time optometrists and benefiting from a robust network of partners and patient referrals.

Stephen embraced the opportunity to expand his professional impact under a model that aligns perfectly with his values and aspirations.

By partnering with OutsideClinic, Stephen can dedicate himself to what he does best – caring for patients – while we support his growth and handle the complexities of business operations. This partnership model exemplifies our commitment to empowering optometrists, allowing them to thrive as entrepreneurs without the usual burdens of business management.

Dan Edwards, our Director of Business Growth said: “Many of our JVPs joined us looking for a unique opportunity to elevate their career without the traditional burdens of business ownership. They found it here at OutsideClinic. We provide unparalleled support and a proven framework for success. Our model is specifically designed to handle the operational heavy lifting, allowing our JVPs to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional patient care.”

The support from OutsideClinic has been pivotal for Stephen, with Dan providing not just operational support but also strategic business insights, helping to significantly grow the business. “We started with two optometrists, and with the support from OutsideClinic, we’ve successfully expanded to include a third, enhancing our capacity to serve more patients,” Stephen added.

Reflecting on the partnership’s success, Stephen shares, 

Looking forward, Stephen is optimistic about the potential for further growth and innovation. “Our aspiration as a partner is to enhance the lives of our clients, raise awareness of our brand, and continue to grow, providing quality eyecare to as many as possible.”

“I now represent OutsideClinic on the FODO (Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians) Scotland Committee, which is not an area of optometry I’ve been involved in before. I am new to it, but it will hopefully be an opportunity to positively represent domiciliary eye care in Scotland,” added Stephen.