My experiences volunteering

I have been volunteering in the sphere of optometry almost all my adult life.

How I started….

Shortly after I qualified, a local independent practice owner approached me to join the NLAO committee.  I agreed almost immediately, seeing the value of the endeavour. So, what exactly was this all about?

During the 1990s, NLAO represented the North London Association of Optometrists and operated as a voluntary, non-profit organization. With a small membership fee and backing from sponsors, it enabled optometrists to meet eight evenings a year in educational rooms reserved at a north London hospital. These gatherings featured expert speakers, opportunities to network with fellow optometrists over a buffet meal, presentations from LOC optometric advisors, and interactions with industry suppliers who sponsored and sent representatives to these events. It was the initial version of local CET/CPD events.

During my tenure from 1997 to 2003, the other committee members included both hospital and community-based optometrists who were well-known and highly respected. We typically met formally about four times a year, primarily to handle logistics, plan the upcoming year's educational program, and ensure it was sponsored and catered for. Each committee member willingly dedicated their time, contributed naturally by leveraging their strengths, and it was a pleasure to work with all of them.

During the initial phase of my involvement in creating educational programs and fostering professional networking, I discovered that I was acquiring new skills. When I was appointed President, I had to conquer my anxiety about public speaking, as it was my duty for two years to introduce guest speakers at each event. Eventually, I was invited to present at professional meetings throughout the UK on topics related to my growing clinical and leadership expertise.

How I evolved…

By 2011, I had spent several years living and working in Devon and was in my initial academic position as a member of the small team leading the introduction and implementation of a new optometry degree at Plymouth University. My personal development advanced further when I was elected to the College of Optometrists Council in 2013, serving an initial three-year term in a voluntary, unpaid capacity.

The progression happened naturally and quite unexpectedly for me. Upon joining the College Council, I was initially placed on the research committee. The next year, I was asked to chair the education committee, a role I fulfilled for several years. Furthermore, I was elected to the Board of Trustees, with legal and fiduciary responsibility to collectively hold the chief executive and senior management team of the College accountable to their members and adhere to their governing documents.

I served in these College volunteer roles for a total of 12 years, having been re-elected to Council three further times as the Southwest representative. Being a member of the College Council offered a unique chance to consider diverse perspectives and use critical thinking and communication skills to ensure that the voices of my fellow professionals locally, as well as those I interacted with across the UK in my day job, were heard. I was, and continue to be, an advocate for optometry and optometrists.

Volunteering now…

Since late 2024, I have volunteered as an optometrist for the charity Vision Care for Homeless People, VCHP offering eye care services to those experiencing homelessness in Exeter. Additionally, I have created and hosted an interactive CPD workshop to assist colleagues who aspire to make eye care more inclusive for individuals facing homelessness. Anyone interested in volunteering for VCHP can express an interest using this link.