“I would like optometrists to have more extended roles in the community”

Tell us about your role…

I currently work partly in community ophthalmology clinics and partly in hospital. In the community I manage and treat acute conditions and GP or optometrist referrals, and in hospital I do eye casualty and glaucoma clinics. I am also undertaking a master’s in advanced clinical optometry and ophthalmology.

What is your professional passion?

Acute eye care. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in eye casualty for a considerable amount of time across several different hospitals. This has allowed me to gain the experience of treating and managing a wide range of conditions within different demographics.

If you could change one thing about the way we work, what would it be?

I would like optometrists to have more extended roles in the community, including lasering and injections.

What is your next career goal?

I would like to have my own practice to deliver community ophthalmology.

How do you manage a work/life balance?

I make sure I finish all notes and referrals before leaving the premises and take no work home.

What do you do to unwind?

Play Call of Duty on the Playstation.

Do you have your next holiday booked? Where are you going?

Yes – Tulsa, Oklahoma for a family wedding next year.

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

Go on a trip around the world, buy a business, and invest the rest.

About the author

Alan Hawrami qualified as an optometrist in 2012 and has extensive experience working within the hospital eye service, mainly in a casualty setting. He currently shares his time between hospital and working as a locum for various community ophthalmology clinics. Hawram is also undertaking a master’s degree in advanced clinical optometry and ophthalmology at University College London.