We are our own limits

The army veteran wanted to share his story of living with the condition in a bid to raise awareness of the condition and funds for charity.

Hearing his story, I quickly realised that he is a great example of how you don't have to let something that perhaps at first feels negative define who you are and how you live. In fact, since diagnosis, he has been challenging his vision to its limits with a 135-mile cycle ride, a blindfolded bungee jump and an Arctic expedition, to name but a few adventures.

Inspired by his actions when faced with adversity, I was reminded that for the most part we are the keepers of our own destiny. And when it comes to skipping a run because I can’t be bothered, or postponing a dinner date because I’ve had a long day, I am reminded to embrace the moment, lace up my shoes or reach for the menu and say yes.

With talk of up-skilling always on the agenda in optics at the moment, I wonder if the comments I hear from practitioners about a lack of time and funds to complete additional training are really true, or, like for me, it's just sometimes easy to procrastinate?

I understand that further training may not be for everyone, but I also know that many professionals relish in being the best that they can be in their chosen fields. And, having spoken to many practitioners over the years, I have found them to be extremely passionate about their chosen profession.

So next time you are thinking about signing up to an evening training session on contact lenses, or even committing to a three-year course on independent prescribing, but hesitate due to the busy week ahead, remember that only you have the power to say yes and make a positive change.