Working in our state of the art clinic in Belfast, Mary is a key member of our multidisciplinary team with over 20 years experience working as an optometrist, she has extensive knowledge and experience in optometry.
She joined Optical Express as she wanted to “do something different and learn a new area of optometry”. As Optical Express are the leading private provider of refractive surgery in the UK and Europe, this move seen Mary’s career progress throughout her time with us.
“Working alongside surgeons on a regular basis is an excellent way to develop your clinical knowledge”, said Mary. She spoke highly of her team members and the clinical services team, who “you can always call on someone to help out”. The level of support is cross functional and we aim to provide the best work experience so our clinicians can provide the highest standard of patient care.
Mary also mentions our Optometry Shadowing Programme that we offer to external registered GOC’s. This programme invites them to visit one of our clinics to shadow an experience optometrist enable them to learn and experience the refractive pathway. Mary describes it as a “great opportunity yo come in and see what we’re doing here and I think people are quite amazed by the level of technology and by the set up we have”.
Optical Express also offers a range of career development opportunities such as the Independ Prescribing (IP) course which is fully funded and supported. Mary completed her course a few years ago and is now able to “prescribe medications to help with eye issues” and help ease the number of patients waiting to see a doctor on the NHS/HSC. She has found having this qualification has made her more confident in managing patients more efficiently.
What advice would you give to soemone who is thinking about a career at Optical Express?
Mary responded with, “I think if you are interested in developing your career, you’re interest in refractive surgery and you are up for a challenge, to work in a busy environment but very rewarding, then this is an excellent opportunity”.
To find out more or to speak to a member of our careers team please email today careers@opticalexpress.com.
