How I got here

Black & Lizars optometrist, Eilidh Thomson, on a chance meeting that changed the course of her career

SpaMedica’s director of optometry, Christine Purslow, on her unexpected secret ambition and why she’ll always encourage optometrists to do that PhD

Chris Gould, director of Home Vision Care Ltd, on finding his vocation in domiciliary after decades in the industry

University of Manchester lecturer, Amit Jinabhai, on giving back to the city that trained him and winning awards for his inclusive teaching methods

Rupal Lovell-Patel, academic lead for vision sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, on her beginnings in Kenya and launching a new eye care clinic with a dual purpose

Aston University’s Raquel Gil-Cazorla on her beginnings in Madrid, being inspired by international optometry, and achieving childhood ambitions in the UK

OT ’s clinical multimedia editor and IP optometrist, Ceri Smith-Jaynes, discusses her journey into optometry and why she decided to gain her IP qualification

Dr Christine Astin, hospital optometrist, educator and Lifetime Fellow of IACLE, on her international career and the joy of being professionally recognised

Specsavers Haverfordwest director, Andy Britton, on how an interest in clinical optometry has helped him achieve his goals

Practice owner at Specsavers Morningside, Michael O’Kane, on how a fascination with technology has shaped his career