Can you give us an overview of your role as IT Director at Optical Express? What does a typical day look like for you?
As the IT Director, my role is a dynamic blend of hands-on technical work, strategic planning, and project management. Every day, I collaborate with various departments and stakeholders across our business units, as well as regulatory bodies and third-party partners.
Together, we work to ensure that our IT infrastructure and services not only support the organisation’s broader goals but also uphold our commitment to providing exceptional care to all our patients, both public and private. It’s a role that keeps me engaged, focused and driven to help deliver first-class service at every level.
Our leadership team is highly connected, working side by side with our CEO and Chairman, David Moulsdale, to stay agile and responsive. A key part of my role is to engage with directors and department heads, ensuring that our collective efforts are fully aligned with the company’s mission.
Technology is constantly evolving. How do you ensure that Optical Express stays ahead in terms of IT infrastructure and innovation?
I like to approach things proactively and with a clear strategy in mind. For my team, continuous learning is a big focus. We’re always attending industry conferences, workshops and staying on top of the latest trends in healthcare technology. That way, we’re prepared for whatever comes next.
We also make sure to invest in scalable, future-proof IT solutions. This flexibility allows us to stay nimble as technology evolves, whether it’s upgrading our EHR systems, improving telemedicine services, or incorporating AI-driven diagnostics into our practice.
But it’s not just about tech. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. I work closely with our clinical and operational teams to ensure that the technology we implement directly supports their needs. Cybersecurity and patient data privacy are always front of mind as well. By fostering a culture of innovation and keeping staff well-trained, we’re not only staying ahead, we’re constantly improving the quality of care we offer.
Reflecting on your career, what would you say has been the most rewarding experience or achievement?
Throughout my career I have met many wonderful people and have worked in many different industries from Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering, Retail, Heavy Industry and Product Development. Although they were all rewarding I have to admit the most rewarding experience is helping to facilitate the correction of people’s eyesight.
If you ever experience the moment someone has a refractive surgery procedure and how quickly after it they can then see the world in front of them again, you can’t help but be proud. Many things can change people’s lives but this is one industry that can do it quickly and instantly.
You’ve recently taken advantage of the free vision correction surgery procedure Optical Express offers staff as part of their benefits package, how is life post-surgery?
Life is great. I can drive, watch the TV, play golf and none of it needs me to go searching for a pair of glasses that I’ve usually forgotten are on my head.
Everything is just a bit simpler. I don’t have to rely on anything but myself to navigate life.
Has vision correction surgery made a difference to your role?
Yes, definitely. I obviously have a lot of screen time involved in my role, so I don’t get headaches anymore from pulling glasses off and on, or days squinting when I forget them.
It’s the small details as well, I can read the small serial numbers again and making up patch leads doesn’t have me struggling to see the colours on the cable cores.
What sets Optical Express apart from competitors in terms of the technology and systems used within the clinics?
We are the leading and largest provider of laser eye surgery and private lens surgery in the UK. We have the largest data set and centralised database. We have the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment. We determine the course of the industry with our data and bio stats team and our clinics are the best in class.
In my opinion, we are ahead of the competition in every measurable way.
Are there any upcoming IT projects or tech upgrades that you’re particularly excited about?
We have recently purchased the assets and brands of sk:n and The Harley Medical Group, which has been a pretty exciting venture to be involved in. As we work on integrating these businesses into our group, we’re discovering valuable synergies with the eye care sector, though we’re also navigating the complexities of the aesthetics industry.
In utilising our processes, people, skills and industry contacts we’re working hard and fast to integrate these businesses with the Optical Express family and help to establish them as market leaders just as Optical Express is within the eye care sector.
What role does artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) play in the future of Optical Express’s IT strategy?
Well as most of us will know, Artificial Intelligence is making itself known across every industry.
For us in the ophthalmic field, we’ll be looking to utilise its diagnostic abilities to predict risk for diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to name a few.
By analysing vast amounts of data, including medical imaging and patient history, these technologies can assist our clinicians in identifying conditions more quickly and accurately. This means better outcomes for our patients, as early detection is crucial in a lot of cases.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in IT?
IT is a broad field with various specialisations such as cybersecurity, software development, network engineering and data analysis. Understanding the different roles can help you decide which path aligns with your interests and skills.
Once you’ve found your niche, immerse yourself in it. Build your skills by gaining hands-on experience, whether through internships, work experience or self-learning. This practical exposure will give you a solid foundation and confidence.
Because the IT landscape is constantly changing, ongoing education is crucial. Stay informed about new technologies, emerging trends and best practices. It takes a commitment to continuous learning, but a career in IT means that pretty much no day is exactly the same – it’s kept me motivated for all these years.
If you could time travel to any period in history for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
This was the hardest question so far. I’ve narrowed it down to three, I can’t do any less.
First would be the Renaissance period, I’d nip over to Italy and see if Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo fancy a pint, I can imagine a conversation with either of them would be the most valuable use of time there.
Second is the Industrial Revolution. I’m a tech guy, so obviously the transformation of this period is incredibly interesting – I’d love to see the public’s reaction to the first steam engine hitting the tracks.
Third and finally – the moon landing, but only if I could actually be on the moon with Armstrong and Aldrin… No, actually I’d definitely prefer to have two feet on earth, but it would be an incredible historic moment to witness.
