“Optometry is continually evolving with new tech and clinical research”
Optometrist, Monal Shah, discusses volunteering in Kenya, staying up to date with new technology and clinical research, and travelling the world
21 March 2023
Tell us about what you do:

What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
A few years ago, I volunteered at an eye camp in Kenya, which involved diagnosing and triaging patients who could not ordinarily access healthcare. I felt grateful I had an opportunity to make a difference.If you could change one thing about optometry, what would it be and why?
It would be great to be notified of clinical outcomes after referring patients to secondary care, either through written correspondence or digital access to ophthalmological services. This would help maintain patient continuity and improve quality of practice.It would be great to be notified of clinical outcomes after referring patients to secondary care… This would help maintain patient continuity and improve quality of practice
What advice would you give newly-qualified optometrists?
Optometry is continually evolving with new tech and clinical research, so I would recommend staying on top of these. Continue to be curious and maintain a habit of learning.Who inspires you?
My parents have always worked hard and shown me the importance of diligence and perseverance while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Tell OT about one of your hobbies:
I like to stay active and play badminton at my local club regularly.My parents have always worked hard and shown me the importance of diligence and perseverance while maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Tell OT something unexpected about yourself:
I love travelling and have been fortunate enough to visit 59 countries.What are you reading/watching at the moment?
I’m on Season 4 of Stranger Things, which is a great watch if you haven’t seen it.Monal’s 10-second challenge
- Face-to-face or Teams? Face-to-Face
- Tea or coffee? Coffee
- Cats or dogs? Dogs
- Early bird or night owl? Night owl
- Staycation or vacation? Vacation
- Savoury or sweet? Savoury
- Bake off or Masterchef? Bake off.
About the author
Dr Ian Beasley BSc (Hons) PhD DOptom FCOptom 
Head of education and OT clinical editor
Optometrist, Dr Ian Beasley, is clinical editor of Optometry Today (OT) where he is responsible for commissioning the clinical content for the journal. In addition to his role for OT, he is head of education for the AOP, overseeing the content delivery for the Association's events portfolio. He is also a visiting lecturer at Aston University.
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