Episode 25 - Trae Trott

Gajan Singh shares his inspiring journey through optometry, overcoming challenges, and giving back to the community through support initiatives and charity work.Vision Care: Gajan Singh's pageCLIPGUIDE: the UK study platform for student optometristsOptoversity - Out Of The Box OpticsChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background02:09 Early interests and career decision-making05:00 Work experience in East London opticians10:01 Academic challenges and setbacks15:13 Deciding to pursue optometry and further education19:51 Moving away from home and adapting to university life25:04 Designing spectacles for turban wearers and personal projects29:57 Support systems and mentorship during training34:58 Involvement in charitable work and community support40:06 Professional development and career progression44:58 Handling difficult situations and ethical decisions49:47 Starting support initiatives for students and charities55:01 Future goals and personal challenges01:00:09 Balancing family, work, and personal growth01:05:05 Final advice and closing remarks

In this episode, Professor Jennifer Craig shares her remarkable journey from Scotland to New Zealand, her research in dry eye and ophthalmology, and insights into academic life, clinical practice, and the importance of networking and seizing opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Craig and episode overview01:30 Jennifer's background and current role in New Zealand02:09 Early influences and deciding on optometry04:04 Education in Glasgow and early research experiences07:14 Transition from practice to academia and PhD in dry eye11:17 Work in ophthalmology and refractive surgery14:14 Teaching in ophthalmology and collaboration with optometrists20:24 Moving to New Zealand and cultural experiences22:26 Returning to the UK and research collaborations26:45 Establishing a dry eye research unit and clinical practice29:34 Travel, conferences, and the importance of networking38:24 Advice for new optometrists and closing remarks

SummaryIn this episode, Laura Williams shares her journey in optometry, her passion for myopia management, and insights into her diverse clinical practice and academic pursuits. Discover how her experiences and innovations are shaping the future of eye care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Laura Williams and her practice02:03 Laura's background and journey into optometry03:59 Her diverse clinical interests and current roles07:08 Educational pathway and unique university program09:32 Deciding between hospital and practice11:01 Experience at BBR and working with cutting-edge technology12:58 Her long tenure at BBR and professional development14:32 The significance of independent prescribing (IP) in practice16:02 COVID-19 response and community care initiatives18:07 Her passion for myopia management and innovations19:54 The evolution of myopia treatments and her involvement21:56 Team structure and specialization within BBR24:05 Collaborative practice and shared expertise26:00 Balancing clinical work and academic pursuits28:01 Considering further academic qualifications and research30:10 Advice for newly qualified optometrists32:00 Maintaining passion and avoiding burnout34:11 Closing thoughts and future aspirations

Conversations from the Ocean: Exploring the Passion and Challenges of OptometryJoin me on a remarkable journey aboard a boat off Portugal’s coast, where a series of candid interviews with optometrists reveal their dedication, innovations, and aspirations in eye care. This episode offers insights into the profession’s impact, current challenges, and future opportunities.Key Topics Covered:The personal motivations behind becoming an optometrist and the diverse paths into the professionThe most rewarding aspects of helping patients regain or improve their visionChallenges faced in the field such as scope of practice limitations, education reform, and access to advanced technologyThe importance of collaboration with ophthalmology and other healthcare professionalsInnovations in contact lenses, artificial intelligence in optometric practice, and future training modelsThe effect of legal and political factors on the scope of practice worldwideIdeas for improving patient access to optometry services and integrating advanced treatment optionsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the boat tour and spontaneous optometry interviews00:28 - Why optometrists recommend the profession and their motivations01:02 - The most fulfilling moments helping patients see better01:42 - Perspectives on education reform and the integration of AI tools02:12 - Challenges in practice scope and legal restrictions across countries02:43 - The vital role of collaboration with ophthalmologists for better outcomes03:05 - Personal stories on career shifts and what they would change in the profession03:26 - The future of optometry: merging different fields and expanding scope04:00 - Reflections on patient impact and the profession’s future

Sarah Farrant shares her inspiring journey through optometry, from her early interests to her leadership roles and specialisation in dry eye management. Discover how passion, networking, and continuous learning can shape a successful career in eye care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sarah Faran01:12 Sarah's Journey to Optometry05:59 Experiences in New Zealand10:22 Returning to the UK and Starting a Practice15:39 Diving into Professional Politics and Advocacy16:58 Specializing in Dry Eye Treatment21:21 Public Speaking and Lecturing Journey23:30 The Importance of Networking in Professional Development26:20 Embracing Opportunities for Learning and Growth28:48 Building Relationships and Learning from Others31:03 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt33:59 The Role of Conferences in Professional Development36:31 The Intersection of Dry Eye Management and Contact Lenses39:00 The Challenges of Defining Expertise in Dry Eye Treatment41:29 The Importance of Proper Assessment in Dry Eye Clinics43:56 Finding Your Passion and Embracing Opportunities46:40 Final Thoughts on Career Development and Passion48:19 0319 (1).mp4 ResourcesBritish Contact Lens Association (BCLA) - https://www.bcla.org.uk/Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) - https://www.tearfilm.org/Specialized Ophthalmic Instruments (SOS) - https://sosophthalmic.co.uk/

Something a little different from Lights Too Bright.In this special POV-style episode, host Keyur takes to the hills for a 16-hill training walk ahead of the Three Peaks Challenge, joined by one of his oldest friends from university, Prisha Kotecha, an optometrist working at Boots Opticians.The format: one question at the top of each hill.Across the walk, Prisha talks about why she chose optometry, her pre-reg experience in Windsor, and the career wobbles that most clinicians will recognise. She also shares why communication, networking and teaching have been central to her development as a practitioner, and what running a children's play franchise alongside her clinical career taught her about connecting with people in the consulting room.Her advice for newly qualified optometrists? Stay calm, enjoy it, don't panic.New episodes of Lights Too Bright drop regularly on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe to the channel for the full conversations: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadO2IUUeF0Tp3CpXHrLwCw#Optometry #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #EyeHealth #OptometryLife #OptometryPodcast #CPD #ClinicalOptometry #PatientCare #LightsTooBright #OptometryCareer #EyeCareProfessionals #UKOptometry #NewlyQualified

In this engaging interview, Karmelo Modina shares his diverse journey through optometry, from clinical practice and research to charity work and entrepreneurship. Discover insights on career flexibility, the importance of continuous learning, and how to find your passion within the profession.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:10 Career Overview and Out of the Box Optics05:11 Journey to Becoming an Optometrist08:39 Pre-Registration Experience and Influences10:45 Transitioning from Boots to Academia15:01 Research Challenges and Teaching Opportunities18:48 Future Aspirations and PhD Considerations23:38 The Struggles of Commuting24:37 Transitioning to Locum Work25:43 The Birth of Out of the Box Optics27:09 Navigating Opportunities in Optometry30:38 Experiences in Film and TV Optometry34:11 The Journey of Out of the Box Optics39:58 Becoming a Practice Owner44:20 Charity Work and Volunteering in Greece49:34 0319 (1).mp4ResourcesOut of the Box Optics - https://outoftheboxoptics.com/Optoversity Challenge - https://optoversity.com/Light Without Borders Greece - https://lightwithoutborders.org/Western Eye Hospital - https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-services/hospitals/western-eye-hospital guest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmelomodina/

Join Keyur as he interviews optometrist Trey Trott about his unique journey from Bermuda to the UK, his experiences with scleral lenses, and insights into optometry practice across different countries.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trey Trott and His Journey20:13 Navigating Optometry Education and Career Paths29:31 The Importance of Professional Development in Optometry39:38 Reflections on Practice and Future Aspirations resourcesGuest linksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-trottInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/treytrott

In this engaging conversation, Keyur and Anu discuss Anu's journey in optometry, from his initial aspirations to become an engineer to his eventual passion for eye care. They explore the evolution of optometry in the US, the increasing roles of optometrists in surgical procedures, and the importance of glaucoma care. Anu shares insights from his academic career and emphasizes the limitless opportunities within the field of optometry, encouraging students to keep an open mind and explore various paths. The discussion highlights the significance of networking and finding one's passion in the profession.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chill Doctor02:44 The Journey to Optometry08:02 The Evolution of Optometry in the US15:48 Training and Specialization in Optometry23:17 The Value of Generalists vs. Specialists in Optometry27:50 Networking and Career Beginnings30:55 The Importance of Glaucoma in Optometry36:55 Transitioning to Academia and Research43:15 Diverse Opportunities in Optometry47:28 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists54:10 0319 (1).mp4

In this engaging interview, Professor Philip Morgan shares his 36-year journey in optometry, his research in contact lenses, and insights into academic and industry collaborations. Discover how curiosity, support, and strategic opportunities shape a successful career beyond clinical practice.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Philip Morgan01:27 Philip's Academic Journey03:42 The Influence of Personal Experience on Career Choice06:12 Transitioning from Practice to Academia14:12 The Diverse Opportunities in Optometry18:09 The PhD Experience: Curiosity Over Intelligence21:26 The Role of Research in Optometry Education23:37 Industry Collaboration and Its Impact on Education25:28 Teaching and Research: A Dual Role28:41 The Science of Contact Lenses32:56 Involvement in International Organizations38:04 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists