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/

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trey Trott and His Journey

20:13 Navigating Optometry Education and Career Paths

29:31 The Importance of Professional Development in Optometry

39:38 Reflections on Practice and Future Aspirations

resources

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-trott

Instagram - 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Chill Doctor

02:44 The Journey to Optometry

08:02 The Evolution of Optometry in the US

15:48 Training and Specialization in Optometry

23:17 The Value of Generalists vs. Specialists in Optometry

27:50 Networking and Career Beginnings

30:55 The Importance of Glaucoma in Optometry

36:55 Transitioning to Academia and Research

43:15 Diverse Opportunities in Optometry

47:28 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

54:10 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Philip Morgan

01:27 Philip's Academic Journey

03:42 The Influence of Personal Experience on Career Choice

06:12 Transitioning from Practice to Academia

14:12 The Diverse Opportunities in Optometry

18:09 The PhD Experience: Curiosity Over Intelligence

21:26 The Role of Research in Optometry Education

23:37 Industry Collaboration and Its Impact on Education

25:28 Teaching and Research: A Dual Role

28:41 The Science of Contact Lenses

32:56 Involvement in International Organizations

38:04 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

In this episode, Peter Greedy shares his diverse journey from optometry to coaching and entrepreneurship, highlighting lessons learned along the way. Discover insights on leadership, resilience, and how to stay passionate in your profession.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peter Greedy

02:06 Peter's Journey into Optometry

07:24 Experiences at University and Cult Influence

09:23 Early Career and Family Life

12:13 Transitioning from Practice to Management

15:15 Exploring Leadership and Coaching

18:57 The Shoelace Venture

29:29 Reflections on Career Satisfaction and Advice

39:58 0319 (1).mp4

Resources

Peter Greedy's Website - https://petergreedy.com

Greeper Laces - https://greeper.com

LinkedIn Profile of Peter Greedy - https://linkedin.com/in/petergreedy

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/petergreedy

In this episode, Keyur interviews Isma Tahir, a qualified optometrist and founder of Sight Relief (https://sight-relief.org/), a charity focused on providing eye care in rural Pakistan. Isma shares her journey from being an optometrist in the UK to starting a charity that addresses visual impairment in underserved communities. The conversation explores the challenges of starting a charity, the importance of integrating optometry into primary care, and the continuous learning that comes with working in diverse healthcare settings. Isma emphasizes the need for access to eye care and the potential for optometrists to make a significant impact globally.

If you would like to donate or volunteer please check out https://sight-relief.org/ or media_sightrelief on Instagram.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Isma Tahir and Her Journey

02:22 Site Relief: Integrating Eye Care in Pakistan

07:17 Starting a Charity: Challenges and Triumphs

10:52 The Scope of Optometry in Pakistan

15:38 International Experience: Optometry Across Borders

20:07 Returning to Scotland: Hospital Work and Learning

23:45 0319 (1).mp4