Academic optometry

What inspired you to complete a PhD?

I did my PhD to try and get more into the teaching and lecturing side of optometry.

If you could switch career path, what would you choose to do? 

Thinking back to my childhood, at one stage I wanted to be a police dog, so I would have to go with that.

What is your most cringe-worthy career moment? 

I was doing an eye exam in the home for an overweight woman who couldn’t get out to the High Street for an eye test. She was sat on a stool for the test but kept having to get up because she was uncomfortable. She stood up and suddenly started to lean forward and couldn’t stop herself. I was directly in front of her and tried to catch her. We both ended up on the floor of her living room with her on top of me.

How do you manage a work/life balance? 

It’s sometimes difficult with the job I do, especially if I’m working a long way from home. I make sure I have the weekends off and try to make the most of them.

What do you do to unwind?

I’m an active person. I play cricket throughout the summer and the odd ‘friendly’ game of squash or five-a-side football. I went to my first Glastonbury last year and loved it.

You have won the OT lottery. What are the first three things you would do with the £1m jackpot?

There’s an OT lottery? I would do a round the world trip – there are still so many places I want to visit. On my return, I would buy a house and take my pilot’s licence.

Where are you going on your next holiday? 

I am in the process of booking a trip to Canada.