I qualified as an Optometrist in 1996 after studying at UMIST. I opened my Independent Practice in 2002. I also worked as Specialist Optometrist at Sunderland Eye Infirmary for 30 years.
I am interested in new technology and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest eye research. I have a professional and personal interest trying to help patients who have a learning disability, and making sure they are able to access the best possible eyecare.
My top three ‘Optometry’ moments would be:
1. I managed to change a regulation within the NHS called the ’Special Facial Characteristics’ voucher. This means that all children, regardless of where they access their eyecare, are able to get glasses that fit correctly. The change happened in 2016 and the RNIB gave me the ‘Vision Prioneer of the Year’ award to recognise this.
2. I have invented a device called the ‘Visual Fixation System.’ This is a device that helps Optometrists examine the eyes of patients who find is difficult to engage in an eye test. It can be used for young children, patients with learning disabilities and patients with dementia.
This is patented around the world and has been launched in the UK. It is being manufactured in the UK and sold by Millmead Optical.
3. Because it is slightly random – My first single author paper was published in 2024, and was about Moths! I used an OCT scanner to demonstrate light and dark adaption in a live Moth. This was the first time this has been done and was published in Environmental Entomology.