How do you choose a career? A daunting challenge I was faced with when leaving school, I had no idea what to do. But now here I am working in a specialist role as a qualified contact lens optician.
Alison Thomas
My interest in eyes began whilst doing work experience in an opticians practice.
The world of eyes has so many specialised clinicians working together to achieve the best vision and health. Some examples are dispensing opticians, optometrists, contact lens opticians, orthoptists and ophthalmologists.
Initially I studied to be a dispensing optician, a three-year course, of which one year was in practice, customer facing and very hands-on. I was quite apprehensive when I realised the level of maths but with hard work and determination, I mastered an understanding. Additionally, anatomy was a big part of the course, with the need to draw a lot of annotated diagrams as part of the learning.
Achieving the qualification which involves both written and practical exams, has enabled me to work closely with my colleagues in optometry to advise patients on the most appropriate frame and spectacle lenses, enabling them to have the best vision possible.
As I gained experience in this role it became apparent that being able to communicate well and having a clear understanding of patient expectation is key.
My passion for anatomy led me to study to be a contact lens optician, achieving degree level. This was challenging as it involved working through the day to expand my practical skills and studying and submitting coursework at night over two years, as well as completing case records and practical exams.
As this role evolved, I felt I needed to expand my clinical knowledge. I decided to volunteer to work in a hospital. I met a colleague who inspired me to go on and study for the masters equivalent in contact lenses, an honours qualification.
There began many years in working in hospital settings looking after many lovely patients who without contact lenses could not leave their house. Putting a contact lens onto someone’s eye and restoring vision is the best feeling in the world.
I have also completed the minor eye conditions service (MECS) accreditation to work alongside my optometrist colleagues. This has expanded my knowledge further in eye disease and its management.
The journey to get here took many years of hard work and determination but if you want to succeed you will.