I am a practising Optometrist/Optician which includes full visual assessments and eye tracking as well as contact lens practice. I have been involved with Pediatric Optometry for more than two decades now dealing with binocular vision problems, assessing visual skills, and behavioural optometry which falls within developmental optometry. Problems with visual performance have an adverse effect on learning. Learning difficulties which can also be found in pre-diagnosed dyslexia, regardless of age, have a great influence in the development and confidence of children. Attending regular advancement and interactive courses keeps me updated. I also do Colorimetry testing which involves the use of colour filters, either in the lenses or acetate overlay sheets, and is used to alleviate the pattern glare symptoms experienced during reading and writing in normal conditions of illumination (also known as Meares Irlen or Scotopic Sensitivity). There are now also ways to adjust smart screen settings to achieve similar results.
I have a great interest in sport, and its connection to vision and sport performance, and I also believe that nutrition is very influential in visual development. I feel it is important to remember the multi-disciplinary obligations (referring to other specialists if indicated), in order to get the best results in problem solving.
The diverse patient base is the part I enjoy most, as it enhances my experience, and there is always something new to learn every single day, but, above all, the satisfaction from helping my patients is priceless.
I undertake continuous learning courses and attend talks, in order to remain current in my profession and to take advantage of the latest technologies.
Giving talks at schools helps to raise awareness of the visual problems that can greatly affect learning.