OptoKitbyAK

My journey in optometry began in 2011 when I first entered the world of eye care as an optical assistant for a busy high-street multiple. From the very beginning, I took pride in helping patients feel fashionable and confident in their choice of spectacles, and I quickly discovered a genuine passion for making people feel good about themselves both inside and out.

This passion soon developed into a fulfilling career as a high-street optometrist. I built strong clinical foundations by completing my BSc in Optometry through studies at both City University and Aston University, gaining valuable insight into how clinical skills are developed across the UK.

After completing the Scheme of Registration with the College of Optometrists in 2019, I progressed to the role of senior optometrist for a major high-street chain. In this role, I mentored and supervised pre-registration optometrists while working towards my ambition of becoming a practice partner. Alongside my clinical work, I served on the Local Optical Committee and played a key role in facilitating a pre-registration training academy for a well-known high-street chain, always striving to support and elevate the next generation of eye care professionals.

As I approached the final stages of the partnership approval process, life took an unexpected but joyful turn with the news that my family was about to grow. This prompted me to step away from residency and embrace the flexibility of locum work.

While locuming offered freedom, it also exposed challenges that many optometrists quietly accept as part of the job, particularly the daily transport of thousands of pounds’ worth of essential clinical equipment between practices, often carried in makeshift solutions such as pencil cases, makeup bags, stethoscope cases, or even tupperware.