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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Faran

01:12 Sarah's Journey to Optometry

05:59 Experiences in New Zealand

10:22 Returning to the UK and Starting a Practice

15:39 Diving into Professional Politics and Advocacy

16:58 Specializing in Dry Eye Treatment

21:21 Public Speaking and Lecturing Journey

23:30 The Importance of Networking in Professional Development

26:20 Embracing Opportunities for Learning and Growth

28:48 Building Relationships and Learning from Others

31:03 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt

33:59 The Role of Conferences in Professional Development

36:31 The Intersection of Dry Eye Management and Contact Lenses

39:00 The Challenges of Defining Expertise in Dry Eye Treatment

41:29 The Importance of Proper Assessment in Dry Eye Clinics

43:56 Finding Your Passion and Embracing Opportunities

46:40 Final Thoughts on Career Development and Passion

48:19 0319 (1).mp4

Resources

British 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:10 Career Overview and Out of the Box Optics

05:11 Journey to Becoming an Optometrist

08:39 Pre-Registration Experience and Influences

10:45 Transitioning from Boots to Academia

15:01 Research Challenges and Teaching Opportunities

18:48 Future Aspirations and PhD Considerations

23:38 The Struggles of Commuting

24:37 Transitioning to Locum Work

25:43 The Birth of Out of the Box Optics

27:09 Navigating Opportunities in Optometry

30:38 Experiences in Film and TV Optometry

34:11 The Journey of Out of the Box Optics

39:58 Becoming a Practice Owner

44:20 Charity Work and Volunteering in Greece

49:34 0319 (1).mp4

Resources

Out 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 links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmelomodina/