As a Specialist Refractive Optometrist at Optical Express, Kamile has been able to expand her skillset beyond conducting routine eye tests and contact lens examinations. Providing clinical support to our ophthalmologists, she now carries out pre and post-operative consultations for refractive surgery and cataract patients. This mixture of responsibilities has allowed Kamile to take her clinical development to the next level.
A key member of our Liverpool team, she is now involved in everything from refractive consultations to sight tests, contact lens checks, and telemedicine calls. This exposure to a variety of patients and diagnoses has allowed her to rapidly develop her skillset and grow her confidence as a clinician. “It’s much more interesting than doing normal sight tests,” she explains. “You get to develop massively as a clinician, and there’s lots of progression and training.”
Joining Optical Express because she wanted to jump straight into refractive optometry, Kamile has been delighted with the support and training that has been available to her. Since starting her career with us, she has been able to attend various CET events, and has participated in regular peer review discussions led by our renowned surgeons. As Optical Express is committed to the continual development of their optometrists, Kamile has also completed a fully-funded Independent Prescribing (IP) course last year, which has helped her in confidently managing her patients both pre and post operatively: “That was a huge help for me. You just get that confidence up for when you get to manage your own patients.”
Kamile’s favourite thing about working as a Specialist Refractive Optometrist is being able to play a part in patients’ life-changing journeys towards improved vision. Having received laser eye surgery herself, she understands how poor eyesight can impact someone’s quality of life, which has helped her relate to and connect with her patients. “I know how exciting this is for my patients, and I get to be a part of their journey, which is great. I get to see them for their initial consultation and then for their post-operative appointments. Just to see how happy they are with the results, and how quick and easy this was, it’s just very satisfying,” she explains.
Besides it being a highly satisfying role, Kamile also enjoys working with the leading-edge technology and diagnostic equipment available at Optical Express. Keeping on top of the latest innovations has helped her expand her knowledge in the fields of optometry and refractive surgery, which in turn allows her to provide her patients with the best possible care and clinical outcomes: “At Optical Express, they invest heavily in the latest technology, so you have to keep on top of your knowledge so you can provide the best care to patients.”
As working as an optometrist generally involves weekend work, she was glad to find that Optical Express offers flexible working options to its employees. Having alternating weekends off, as well as choosing to have two fixed days off in a row, Kamile has been able to achieve a healthy work-life balance. “Having two fixed days off and two days in a row was quite important to me. I also worked alternating weekends, which is quite good because as most optometrists know, most of the time in the optics business you have to work the weekend. So, having those alternating weekends off is a great help,” she comments.
With the NHS being overwhelmed as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kamile has witnessed the devastating effects that long waiting lists for cataract surgery are having on patient’s lives. She specifically recalls a patient whose cataracts were so advanced that she struggled to leave the house: “I had a patient who was severely diabetic and whose cataracts were advanced. She was unable to perform her daily tasks and she was unable to drive, and the NHS said they wouldn’t be able to do it any time soon. She would have to wait at least six months to have the surgery.” At Optical Express, she was able to have the first eye treated within just a week, and is now waiting for treatment on the second eye. Kamile is delighted to have been able to play a part in transforming the patient’s life, helping her get back on her feet by giving her a renewed confidence in her vision.
Do you want the opportunity to enhance your clinical skills and experience the same professional development opportunities as Kamile? If you’re ready for a new challenge view our latest optometrist vacancies now and develop your optometry career with the UK’s leading refractive surgery provider.
