In an insightful conversation, Vic Khurana and Emma James reflect on their starring roles in the care home optometry video series, a project that shines a light on the critical work of domiciliary optometry. Here's a glimpse into their thoughts, experiences, and the impact of their work.

Q: How did you feel when you were approached to be part of the care home optometry video series?

Vic: It was an exciting opportunity to do something away from the norm of my day-to-day. The concept of this project felt different and it really took my back to the roots of why I love what I do. 

Emma: I was thrilled! Working in care homes is something I'm incredibly passionate about, so being able to showcase its importance felt fantastic.

Q: Reflecting on the filming day, what stands out as the most memorable moment for you?

Vic: The highlight for me was making the patients the focus of our work. They were so lovely and patient, and it was a joy to interact with them.

Emma: For me, it was the interactions with the residents and the staff. It was heartwarming to see how much the staff cared for their residents.

Q: Now that the series is complete, how do you feel about the final outcome?

Vic: The final product exceeded my expectations. It's amazing to see how the visuals and narration come together to tell a story that's both innovative and touching.

Emma: I'm really pleased with it. It perfectly captures the essence of domiciliary care and makes me even prouder of the work we do.

Q: Vic, from an optometrist's perspective, what does providing care in a care home setting mean to you?

Vic: It's incredibly fulfilling. You get to hear the amazing stories our patients have to share, which is something you don't often experience in a traditional setting. It feels like you're truly making a difference in their lives.

Q: Emma, how does working in care homes as a dispensing optician compare to more traditional settings?

Emma: It's a unique and impactful role. You're providing essential services to those who might not otherwise have access, making a significant difference in their daily lives. It's incredibly rewarding.

Q: Vic, how does the video series portray the support available in domiciliary eye care? 

Vic: The videos absolutely reflect the working relationship between myself and Emma, the dispensing optician. Constant communication and teamwork is key to a smooth day and its great to be able to work with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about people and what we do. It was fun to be videoed on our lunch break, chatting about life like normal. It was also great to see a video showcasing the Professional Services Team - they are always on hand for advise and reassurance so we are never alone. I take great comfort in the fact that my referrals, in particularly are managed and processed efficiently, allowing me to focus on the patient. 

Q: What do you hope viewers take away from watching the video series?

Vic: I hope it opens people's eyes to the rewarding side of optometry and the variety it brings. It's about making a difference where it's needed most. Through vision correction and identifying pathology we can enable patients to get involved in activities that they may have not taken part in before. 

Emma: We are helping some of the most vulnerable people in society. Mums, dads, grandparents, partners, friends - we can make sure that our family members are looked after and seeing as well as they can be so that they can continue to enjoy their days in comfort. Its the most rewarding work and being able to reassure family members and staff is a wonderful extra benefit to working in this industry. 

Q: Looking forward, how do you see the role of domiciliary care evolving?

Vic: The future holds more services and broader education on the importance of accessible eye care. I aim to be part of this evolution, ensuring our services are as accessible as possible.

Emma: There's so much potential for growth and innovation. I want to keep supporting and developing our service to help those in need.

Through their conversation, Vic and Emma offer a glimpse into the passion and dedication behind domiciliary optometry. Their experiences and insights underscore the profound impact of bringing eye care to those in care homes, illuminating the path toward a future where everyone has access to the vision care they deserve.

Missed the video series? Watch it here. Or watch Vic and Emma in the latest video below: