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

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Nicholas Rumney shares his journey in optometry, from his early influences to his experiences abroad and the impact on his professional approach. He emphasizes the importance of community, education, and the need for optometrists to take a more active role in disease management and patient care. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the evolution of optometry, professional development, career highlights, and advice for young optometrists. It also delves into the importance of questioning authority, the impact of international experiences, and the significance of work-life balance in optometry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Advocacy for Optometry Education and Disease Management
• 37:25 Scope of Practice and Devolution
• 43:52 Transition into BBR and Diverse Career
• 51:15 Involvement in GOC and Optometric Educators
• 58:28 Teaching and Voluntary Work for Career Development

In this episode of "Lights Too Bright," host Keyur reconnects with Seema Raunier, an optometrist with a diverse portfolio career. Seema shares her journey from initially pursuing a career in medicine, influenced by her father's expectations, to discovering her passion for optometry. Despite not initially wanting to be an optometrist, she found fulfillment in her work and has since built a varied career that includes roles in pediatrics, contact lens fittings, and community service. Seema emphasizes the importance of following one's passions and the value of networking and continuous learning in professional development.

Seema also opens up about her personal struggles, including the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially after experiencing significant losses in her family. She discusses how these experiences led her to reevaluate her career and ultimately find joy in her work again. Through her involvement with the Local Optical Committee and the College of Optometrists, she has not only expanded her professional skills but also contributed to her community, highlighting the importance of pursuing interests outside of one's primary career. This conversation serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential for growth and fulfillment in one's professional journey, even amidst challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:03 NEWCHAPTER

02:34 Exploring a Portfolio Career

05:06 The Journey to Optometry

10:46 Navigating Personal Challenges

15:39 Finding New Opportunities

20:15 Building Confidence and Skills

24:54 The Importance of Networking

29:57 Passion Beyond Optometry

33:48 Final Thoughts and Advice

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In this episode, Keyur's esteemed guests discuss the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and authenticity in personal and professional growth. Emphasizing the need to start with oneself when seeking change and the value of learning from mistakes. They also highlight the significance of passion and keeping an open mind to opportunities.

Takeaways

Be humble, make an offer.

There's no right or wrong path at each year.

Start with yourself, with anything that you're doing.

Not settling is a very important thing.

One person may not be able to change the world.

The biggest single purpose behind me is making a difference.

We learn so much more through the errors that we make.

The key to success is passion.

Keep an open mind in what you do.

If you're open to opportunity, just meeting these.

In this episode of the Lights Too Bright podcast, Keyur and Rambod Esfandiari discuss their long-standing friendship and the journey into the field of optometry. Rambod shares his unique path to becoming an optometrist, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and the business side of the profession. They explore the significance of effective communication in patient care, the value of mentorship, and the various opportunities available within optometry. Rambod offers insightful advice for new graduates, encouraging them to keep an open mind and seek happiness in their careers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Friendship

10:02 The Importance of Business in Optometry

21:03 Communication Skills in Patient Care

30:09 The Journey into Mentorship and Speaking

42:43 Advice for New Graduates and Career Happiness

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In this episode of the Lights Too Bright podcast, Keyur interviews Piyus Tanna, a professional services manager at Mennicon and co-founder of Inspiring Success. They discuss Piyus's journey in optometry, his transition from practice to industry, and the importance of personal growth and professional development. Piyus shares insights on the well-being initiatives he is involved in, including the launch of a well-being app for eye care professionals. The conversation emphasizes the significance of making a difference in patients' lives and the value of mentorship and support in the optometry field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:04 Career Journey in Optometry

06:00 University Experience and Personal Growth

08:58 Pre-Registration and Early Career

11:53 Transitioning Roles and Learning Opportunities

14:53 Inspiring Success and Well-Being Initiatives

20:49 App Development and Collaboration

26:46 Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities

32:44 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

In this episode of the Lights Too Bright podcast, Keyur interviews Nicola Bennett, the Head of Global Education for Clinical Information at Keeler. Nicola shares her inspiring journey from a nursery nurse to a prominent figure in the optical industry. She discusses her passion for education, the importance of professional development, and the value of networking within the optometry field. Nicola emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and encourages others to pursue their interests and seek opportunities for growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicola Bennett's Journey

02:42 Current Role and Responsibilities at Keeler

05:24 Early Career and Transition to Optometry

10:39 Joining Peepers Opticians and Initial Experiences

12:38 Development and Growth in the Optical Field

16:48 Passion for Learning and Professional Development

18:37 Journey of Self-Discovery and Support

21:35 Exploring Opportunities and Taking Risks

24:25 The Importance of Networking and Asking for Help

26:45 Passion for Education and Patient Care

30:34 Transitioning to Keeler and Embracing New Challenges

34:38 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Eye Care

In this episode of the Lights Too Bright podcast, Keyur interviews Nick Black, an experienced dispensing/contact lens optician and director at BBR Optometry. They discuss Nick's journey from New Zealand to the UK, his various roles in optometry, and the importance of teamwork and professional development in the field. Nick shares insights on transitioning to independent practice, the significance of expanding skills, and balancing clinical work with business viability. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring optometrists, emphasizing the importance of investing in personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:09 Nick Black's Role and Responsibilities in Optometry

04:52 Nick's Journey from New Zealand to Optometry

12:30 Transitioning to Independent Practice

18:26 The Importance of Teamwork in Optometry

26:12 Expanding Skills: Low Vision and Contact Lenses

32:02 Becoming a Partner at BBR Optometry

39:54 Life-Changing Impact of Optometry

41:29 Advice for Colleagues in the Profession

In this episode of the Lights Too Bright podcast, Keyur interviews Michelle Beach, an accomplished optometrist with a rich background in sports vision. They discuss Michelle's journey from her idyllic childhood in Norfolk to her current role at Park Vision in Nottingham. Michelle shares her experiences in optometry, including her pre-registration year, the challenges of establishing her practice, and her passion for the profession. The conversation highlights the importance of passion in optometry, the evolution of the field, and the value of continuous learning through conferences and collaboration with peers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michelle Beach and Her Journey

03:01 Early Life and Initial Aspirations

10:32 Transition from Sports to Optometry

12:26 Pre-Registration Experience and Hospital Work

19:05 Establishing Park Vision and Overcoming Challenges

26:14 The Evolution of Optometry and Current Trends

35:18 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists

In this episode of the Lights Too Bright Pod, Dr. Sonia Trave Huarte shares her journey in optometry, focusing on dry eye research and her experiences in academia. She discusses her early inspirations, the impact of the Erasmus Plus program on her career, and the transition from working with children to specializing in ocular surface disease. Dr. Huarte also provides insights into the PhD process, the balance between research and clinical practice, and emphasizes the importance of curiosity in driving one's career forward.