Starting your journey in optometry can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. In this episode, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Sam Strong, Lecturer of Vision Science at Aston University, about how optometry students can make the most of their time at university.
They discuss tips and advice for navigating coursework and clinical training, the importance of asking questions and speaking to someone if you need help or support, and how you should always be open to new opportunities.
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Nazaradden Ibrahim, Global Technical Lead for Eye Health in the West Africa Region for the charity Sightsavers.
They discuss the work of Sightsavers, including how they operate in different countries, the challenges they face, and the role that optometrists and other health workers have in their work.
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Jasleen Jolly DPhil MSc FCOptom, Optometrist and Associate Professor in Vision Science, about her research into the psychology of sight loss.
They discuss topics including how best to communicate with and support patients with sight loss, as well as the impact it can have on their careers, hobbies, and overall wellbeing.
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To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors.
OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrists. It is read and cited around the world, and helps clinicians and educators stay up to date with the latest research findings on the development, use and restoration of vision.
In Part 2, the editors talk about what they would have done differently during their time in the role and offer insights into the current state of research and OPO.
Further information
To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors.
OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrists. It is read and cited around the world, and helps clinicians and educators stay up to date with the latest research findings on the development, use and restoration of vision.
In Part 1, each former editor discusses their time in the role, including how they left their mark on the publication and the challenges they faced.
Further information
College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom talk to Simon Berry MCOptom, an optometrist who owns and runs his own practice which specialises in working with people with autism and learning disabilities.
They discuss accessibility for autistic people in eye care including the importance of acclimatisation visits, what adjustments you can make in practice, and how every autistic patient is different.
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College Library and Information Services Manager, Marlene Blackstock, talks to College Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about her research on “The Impact of OCT in Optometric Practice".
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to College President Dr Gillian Rudduck PhD MCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc and Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about their journeys to their positions of leadership within the College.
They discuss what inspired each of their journeys, the barriers they encountered along the way, as well as sharing advice to other female optometrists on their career paths.
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Rebekah Stevens, Lead Assessor at the College, about what true equity should mean for women.
They discuss the gender pay gap, work-life balance, and what advice they have to women trying to have a career while also supporting their family.
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Fiona Jazayeri, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Buckinghamshire Health Trust, about the external eye.
They cover areas including how to conduct an external eye examination, what to look out for when examining a patient, and best practice for referring patients into the hospital eye service.
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As we come towards the end of another busy year College Clinical Advisers Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Denise Voon MCOptom, and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss their individual highlights from the year and what we can expect going forward into 2025.
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For International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Nicola Nuttall, who tragically lost her daughter Laura to a rare form of brain cancer when she was just 23. Denise and Nicola talk about how Laura was diagnosed after a routine eye examination and the incredible campaigning and bucket list goals she achieved in her life.
Denise also speaks to Lorcan Butler BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Prof Cert Paed Eye Care, Optometrist and Optical Engagement Manager with The Brain Tumour Charity, who answers questions about what optometrists should look out for when conducting an eye examination and how to converse with someone who needs to be referred for further tests.
As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients.
In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE provide advice on lifestyle changes to help keep your eyes healthy.
As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom explain how you can save money on your eye care.
As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients.
In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE answer questions about children and teens eye health, as well as those over 60.
As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom explain the role of an optometrist.
As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients.
In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE explain what a sight test is and why having regular sight tests is so important.
At the start of National Eye Health Week College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE, and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom discuss effective ways to reinforce the importance of regular sight tests.
College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom and Mike Horler, Consultant Optometrist at Sussex Eye Hospital and College Assessor and Council member, answer your questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Among the topics discussed were the treatment options for AMD including the role of supplements, photobiomodulation, and Syfovre.
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College Clinical Adviser and Optometric Adviser to the GOC Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Kayleigh Allen, Head of Fitness to Practise Legal; Roma Malik, Optometric Adviser at the GOC; Sue Blakeney, Registrant Case Examiner for the GOC; and Bobby Fida, Optometrist and member of the GOC's Hearing Panel about the role of the GOC.
Using a fictitious case, they discuss the fitness to practise process and how they decide on the final outcome involving a member who has altered patient records.
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