“We’re pushing the professions forward with our mutual skills”

How long have you worked as a hospital optometrist?

I’ve just celebrated my 10^th year working in a hospital. I am immensely proud of what I’ve learned in that time. I now also teach. 

Could you describe working as a hospital optometrist in one sentence?

Helping patients in hospital is exciting, challenging and extremely rewarding.

When and why did you decide to become a hospital optometrist?

I worked in primary care for a number of years, followed by a spell in the refractive field, all of which I enjoyed immensely, but I was always hoping for clinical advancement in the profession. I became a little bit frustrated at the slow process, so I took a gamble with a small independent ophthalmology provider called SpaMedica. The cataract clinic was starting, and that’s when I was brought on board, to use my previous experience to build that service. The rest, as they say, is history.

Do you do any other work or volunteering alongside your optometry job?

I carry the same passion I’ve got for my work into grassroots football. I run a local football team, spending the evenings and weekends coaching local children.

Do you do any optometry work on the High Street?

I’m fully committed to my hospital role. Some of my colleagues love the variety that both roles give them. Whilst I have not worked on the High Street for some time, the number one skill that I continue to utilise is providing our patients with a top level of service and patient experience. I always ensure I give my patients the highest quality of care, and I make sure my team does the same.

Could you say a bit about the relationship you have with ophthalmology, as an optometrist working in a hospital?

I think that, historically, there has been a barrier between the professionals of ophthalmology and optometry. But at SpaMedica we work very closely together, in a respectful way, and learn from each other. I think we’re pushing the professions forward with our mutual skills and ideas. It’s a great working relationship. We’ve got a wonderful team of surgeons.

Historically, there has been a barrier between the professionals of ophthalmology and optometry. But at SpaMedica we work very closely together, in a respectful way, and learn from each other

 

What would you say is the biggest challenge facing hospital optometry at the moment?

Speaking on a national level, the accessibility to NHS services does vary tremendously around the United Kingdom.

How do you think the optometry profession can help in alleviating that?

There needs to be increased dialogue between the profession and commissioners of NHS services across the UK, to make sure the rollout of enhanced optometry services happens and is the same for all, regardless of where that patient might live. I’m glad to see that things are moving in the right direction, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with 38 ICBs to ensure as many patients as possible receive rapid access to high quality treatment.

What would you say is hospital optometry’s biggest success in the past three years and why?

I think the increased availability of outpatient clinics – whether it be cataract service, medical retina, or glaucoma – and the choice that some of those patients now have, is really important.

From a SpaMedica perspective, I think the expansion of medical retina services into under-resourced areas has been amazing. It’s such a critical service to some of the most vulnerable patients and I’m proud to think of how much sight we’ve saved in those clinics.

What has been your biggest success in the past three years and why?

I think it’s tripling the size of the department to nearly 150 optometrists in a short time. But also, making sure they maintain the high standard that I’m setting them.

Could you identify the most surprising case that you've seen in the hospital setting?

I’ve seen it all. Nothing is a surprise anymore. When we do come across pathology, it’s vital that we explain things well to patients, ensure we treat them promptly, manage their expectations and reassure them.

I always tell my new starters that it’s the job that you were going to do when you filled in that UCAS form. It’s never too late to make that brave leap into the world of hospital optometry

 

What would you say to optometrists working on the High Street about working in a hospital environment?

Just go for it. Optometrists working in primary care often feel excluded from opportunities working in hospital. This could be due to confidence or for financial reasons. Neither should deter optometrists from taking that plunge if they’ve always wanted to. A lot of our optometrists have come from the High Street. I make sure they receive all the training they need, at a pace that’s right for them.

Would you add anything else on the subject of working as a hospital optometrist that we haven’t spoken about already?

It’s a great job for an optometrist. I always tell my new starters that it’s the job that you were going to do when you filled in that UCAS form. It’s never too late to make that brave leap into the world of hospital optometry.