Optometry Today

“Passing my Master’s with distinction was a huge achievement, especially at the age of 50. It just shows what you can do later in life. To be a finalist in Optometry Wales optometrist of the year in 2023 was quite incredible too, after only having been in Wales for a few years," says Wayne J. Zimbabwe-born retail partner at Specsavers Haverfordwest, Wayne Jones, takes us on a journey from an unexpected gap year in architectural design to a light-filled optometry practice on the Welsh coast. Read more about his career in optometry here: https://ow.ly/qP0C50VBNUT

Happy Vaisakhi to all Sikhs celebrating today. Ahead of the celebrations we spoke to a range of eye care practitioners about the significance of Vaisakhi and how they approach marking the day. Jagtaar Singh, Newmedica Gloucestershire operations director, said: "This Vaisakhi, my family and I will be visiting our local Gurdwara to take part in the celebrations. The day will be filled with prayers, the singing of Sikh hymns, and langar – a free vegetarian meal served to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, or background... For me, one of the strongest values in Sikhism is equality – regardless of faith, gender, background, or beliefs. In our daily working lives, we encounter people from all walks of life, and ensuring that each individual is treated with respect, dignity, and fairness is something I hold as a core principle." We also had the pleasure to speak with... 🔵 Jagdeep Kaur Gill, optometrist and Association of Optometrists councillor, on childhood celebrations in Punjab and the uplifting sound of many voices singing in unison 🔵 Gurbeer Singh Sivia, Specsavers West Bridgford optometrist partner, on hosting four generations at his house 🔵 Jagdeep Singh, optometrist and Newmedica head of clinical proposition, on teaching his children about Vaisakhi 🔵 Jugjeet Singh, optometrist and University of Hertfordshire optometry lecturer, on how langar sees people from all backgrounds sit at the same level 🔵 Gajan Singh Seehra, optometrist and co-founder of Out of the Box Optics, on his first memory of Vaisakhi and the vibrant atmosphere of the nagar kirtan 🔵 Kamal Kalsi, domiciliary optometrist and AOP optometrist, on the ritual of refreshing the Sikh flag outside each Gurdwara. Want to learn more? Read our article and interview with these practitioners here: https://ow.ly/ktam50VA0TH Special thanks to everyone we interviewed and we hope you have fantastic day of celebrations.

“We are pleased to see the critical importance of primary care being recognised by the Government, and the need for tangible investment to stabilise these services. But to make ‘fixing the front door to the NHS’ a reality, eye care as well as pharmacy and dentistry need to be at the heart of the change.” says AOP CEO, Adam Sampson. The Association of Optometrists has welcomed the recruitment of over 1500 GPs since October, but has again emphasised that eye care is integral. Read more in our news story here: https://ow.ly/vWat50Vxb4P

What does an ageing population mean for optical professionals and the patients they care for? From the High Street to secondary care, we spoke to range of practitioners and patients in different settings to find out more. Read more in our front cover story from The Older people edition here: https://ow.ly/wOEs50VxBc7 Special thanks to Fulgoni Opticians, Tuite Opticians, Ceri Hudson, Professor Tunde Peto, Glaucoma UK and FRANCESCA FULGONI, for sharing your experiences with us.

Would you like to join AOP Council? Applications are now open, so why not take a look at the roles and on offer? The Association of Optometrists is currently seeking applications for 7 positions. If you'd like to apply or find out more about AOP Councillor representing NI, Brian McKeown, watch and read more here: https://ow.ly/KWkU50VmVsy

The new edition of OT lands today. In this edition we explore optometry’s role in supporting the eye care needs of the ageing population. From the High Street to secondary care, we spoke to a range of practitioners to find out more. What do you think an ageing population means for optical professionals and the patients they care for? Why not share your thoughts in the comments below. If you're keen to read more from The Older people edition, you can now read all the articles on the Our journal section of our website here: https://ow.ly/yztl50VuJHj

"It's a fantastic opportunity to learn to grow and to be part of a team that is influential in shaping the future of optometry," says former AOP Councillor representing domiciliary care optometrists, Paul Chapman-Hatchett. He spoke to us about his time on Council as the role opens for new applications. Would you be interested in applying for this role? Applications are now open. Find out more about this position here: https://ow.ly/MV7w50Vt0Vo

Did you know that this year marked the first 100% Optical run by the new organisers, CloserStill Media? At the event we caught up with Robert Chapman, commercial director for the human and animal healthcare portfolio at CloserStill, to find out more about the new organisers of the trade show. If you'd like to watch and read more about CloserStill, Rob shares more here: https://ow.ly/gZ7F50VsnqO

"I was really quite surprised that the improvement in the Varilux® XR pro design was more than just an incremental improvement,” says Dr Ian Beasley. Association of Optometrists head of education, OT clinical editor, and presbyopic patient, Dr Ian Beasley, shares his experience of the lenses. In order to highlight the capabilities and benefits of the Varilux® XR pro, Essilor invited Ian and another patient Caroline Cooper to Cystal Eye Centre to try the lenses themselves. Find out more here: https://ow.ly/cz7o50VrJSc

Looking for a summary of 100% Optical 2025? Recorded live at the show, join us in taking a look back at some of the key highlights from the 2025 show. From the biggest topics shaping the profession, to emerging technologies, we were there to capture it all. Looking for the full show report? Watch the full version here ➡️ https://ow.ly/abIB50VqlNh Special thanks to Adam Sampson and Ceri Smith-Jaynes at the Association of Optometrists, for sharing your thoughts about the show.