Can you give us an overview of your role as Clinical Services Director at The Optical Express Group? What does a typical day look like for you?
With my Corporate Board, International Medical Advisory Board and day-to-day responsibilities in mind it is fair to say that my days are extremely varied and no two days are ever the same. As Clinical Services Director of Optical Express & ACES I take a lead on all clinical matters affecting the business and also provide input into operational business matters, working closely on a range of fronts with the Group CEO and Senior Team.
I oversee the work of all Clinical Directors, Senior Optometrists and Clinical Services Managers, providing ongoing clinical advice to Ophthalmic Surgeons and Optometrists on the management of patients. I also work closely with our in-house and external Solicitors concerning any legal matters.
I communicate regularly with our key partners and help to introduce new ophthalmic solutions, technologies, treatments and products to the group. I also regularly publish Peer Review Clinical Papers and liaise on a frequent basis with colleagues from our International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB).
More recently, I have been working with the new areas of our business, The Harley Medical Group and sk:n, assisting with the overall transition into the Optical Express Group of Companies.
How long have you been with Optical Express and what has your career journey looked like?
I have worked with Optical Express since January 2002 and developed from Optometrist to Regional Senior Optometrist in 2003, to Professional Services Manager in 2004, then Clinical Services Manager in 2008, followed by Clinical Services Director in 2010.
How would you describe the core values that drive Optical Express in delivering eye care?
The Core Values of Optical Express are:
Patient and Customer Focus – We focus on doing what is right for both patients and customers.
One Team – We work in an inclusive and collaborative way to achieve our shared goals and objectives.
Excellence – We lead the ophthalmic industry through the achievement of clinical excellence.
Trust – We act with integrity, transparency and honesty.
Delivering Results – We are accountable, dynamic and innovative, adapting quickly to suit business, partnership and patient needs.
By adhering to our core values, we deliver the best possible eye care to all of our patients, ensuring that our clinicians are patient-focused and providing our patients with access to the latest technology. Our core values remind us to keep the patient at the heart of everything that we do.
Reflecting on your career, what would you say has been the most rewarding experience or achievement?
I would say that seeing the brand grow over the time that I have been with Optical Express has been an extremely rewarding experience, knowing that I have played a part in being able to offer our patients to best possible treatments available. The development of the ACES brand from a regional group to a national provider over the last 12 months has been very rewarding.
Also, seeing the proof of patient lives that we have changed in a positive way through modern-day Cataract and Refractive Surgery first-hand cannot be underestimated. My favourite appointment with patients I have cared for at an earlier juncture is the one-day post-op. This is followed closely behind by seeing the progress over time of the more complex post-op patient as their outcome develops and prospers. By providing the best-in-class patient care and utilising our expertise patients really benefit. We truly change the lives of our patients for the better.
Having transitioned to a leadership role, what do you miss about the day-to-day aspects of optometry?
I miss seeing patients and having the ability through Optical Express to recommend the best possible vision correction solution available to them, being able to offer anything from spectacles to Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Replacement Surgery.
Also, talking to and hearing how satisfied our patients are with their outcomes following Refractive Surgery is definitely something I miss.
With this said, I really value helping other clinicians reach their potential. I enjoy providing first-hand guidance or advice to fellow clinicians utilising the benefit of my vast experience developed through the course of the last 20 years. I also enjoy making new services and forms of care accessible to a vast array of patients who use the services of the Optical Express Group.
With the increasing importance of eye health, what are your top tips or advice for people looking to maintain good vision throughout their lives?
Everyone should attend regular eye examinations as recommended by their Optometrist and at least every 2 years to ensure their eyes stay in optimal condition.
Regular care allows for expert colleagues to provide the very best management advice, ensuring vision and vision correction solutions are delivering optimal results and as a result, patients are reducing the risk of eye strain. Further regular exams allow for an Optometrist to pick up on eye and general health matters identified at an early juncture, which is beneficial.
For those wishing for lasting clear vision, Refractive Surgery is the perfect long-term solution.
What advancements in eye care technology or treatments are you most excited about in the near future?
There are so many things on the horizon. Whilst there have been huge advances in the last five years, it is fair to say the role of the Optometrist and Surgeon in ten years won’t be the same as it is today. I definitely look forward to the integration of AI into the eye care sector, both in terms of clinical decision-making and technological advancement to help improve patient management plans and results of treatments to enable us to improve patient outcomes.
What do you think sets Optical Express apart in a competitive field like eye care?
We are the progressive organisation in the sector and are the only eye care provider in the UK that offers all vision corrective solutions including spectacles, contact lenses, Laser Eye Surgery and Lens Replacement Surgery, giving our patients access to options which other providers do not have access to. This allows our patients to feel empowered to make the right decision for them, whether it be surgical or non-surgical.
Furthermore, we are the lead organisation when it comes to our multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working – where Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Advanced Nurse Practitioners for example work together to provide the best of care for patients. Continual Professional Development is imperative today, which we are leaders in.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Optical Express?
If you seek clinical progression in your day-to-day practice, this is the place to be. Optical Express is the only eye care provider in the UK to offer patients a full variety of vision correction solutions. We have the latest technology and an excellent team in place to ensure that our staff members are supported in every aspect of their role. We also encourage professional development for all staff members.
If you could explore any place for a day, where would you go and what would you want to see?
A trip to Mars would be cool! I don’t know if there’s much to do or see, but I’d love to take a stroll in zero gravity. Perhaps one day…
