Optometrist recognised for making a positive difference to peers

An optometrist has been recognised for “kindness, compassion, care and empathy” extending beyond his role, at a wellbeing event for optical professionals.

The second annual Optometry Wellbeing Day on 11 May saw optical professionals swapping suits for fitness attire and featured wellbeing-focused CPD, sessions of yoga and axe throwing, ice baths, glass walking, and gratitude workshops.

The event is run by Sheena Tanna-Shah and Piyus Tanna, with the purpose of supporting practitioners to connect with others and focus on mental and physical wellbeing.

Optometrist, Ankur Trivedi, received the Optometry Hero Award, which recognises practitioners who make a positive difference to peers, colleagues, and patients.

Sheena Tanna-Shah, the optometrist and wellbeing coach behind the event, said: “Ankur won the award because his kindness, compassion, care, and empathy extend beyond his professional portfolio optometrist role. He has been there for his peers and colleagues in many ways, giving support and advice, listening, caring, and giving words of encouragement when needed.”

“The shock on his face at receiving the award said everything – it showed exactly how humble he truly is,” she added.

Trivedi was nominated for the award by a peer, and commented: “It was kind of him to nominate me, but never in a million years did I think I would be successful. I was really shocked and humbled.”

For Trivedi, an AOP Councillor and Board member, making a difference to others is about “trying to be helpful when I can.”

Through a period of shielding during the pandemic, Trivedi worked to support colleagues “at the coalface” with patients, while his roles in the local optical committee (LOC) and as clinical lead for Primary Eyecare Services in the Midlands, mean he is often answering queries from colleagues.

“One of my LOC colleagues jokingly calls me ‘the oracle’ because I would always be answering questions at all hours,” Trivedi explained, adding: “I’ve learned to be a bit healthier with that now.”

He reflected: “I think it’s apt that the sponsor for the award was Karma Eyewear, because I would say it’s like optical karma – give unto others as you would want done to yourself.”

“I think it is good that we’re having this conversation about mental health and wellbeing because, historically, I don’t think it is something we would have touched on a huge amount pre-COVID. We have got to be kind to everyone – and to ourselves,” he said.

Optometrist Jason Searle, along with dispensing optician and Vision Care for Homeless People volunteer administrator and local team lead, Stephen Pratt, were named as finalists for the award.

Looking back on the event, Tanna-Shah said: “People overcame fears and mindset barriers when completing some of the activities. It was so amazing to hear people’s stories. There were some courageous, vulnerable moments, but we were so grateful that people felt they could share how they were feeling and felt safe and supported in doing so.”