 Brian Tompkins
BSc FCOptom FBCLA
Why did you become an optometrist?
I wanted to look into healthcare and optometry offered a good mix of science, technology and mechanics. Selling spectacles also offers an unexpected high fashion element to the role and we essentially help to create an image and persona.
Describe your path to your current position?
After spending my pre-reg year in London, I joined a highly-respected practice, run by Monty Knight of Knight & Son, which was established in 1868. In 1980, we went into partnership and opened a second practice in 1982. After Monty retired, we consolidated the practices to provide our patients with the very best in optical care and cutting edge technology.
In addition to running my practice, I’m also a familiar face on the clinical lecture circuit. Lecturing requires a great deal of confidence to present to fellow peers and also skill to ensure delivery is memorable, while aiding the learning experience. A tough call sometimes when you’re presenting on dry subjects without audience interaction. Another great passion of mine is cooking, which has strangely helped to carve out my clinical lecturing career. I found myself competing in the finals of MasterChef in 1993 which really helped to boost my confidence and develop my skills as an ‘entertainer’. From that point on I decided to introduce cooking skills to my clinical lectures to really make a ‘meal’ of my lectures and labour the point that clinical information can be more than intellectually engaging.
What aspects do you enjoy most about your current role?
The independence of being my own boss and running my own practice. I can do what I like, when I like – if I want to have music playing when I examine my patients, I can. My ethos is to entertain the patient – if you make the experience memorable and engaging, they will remember your performance and most definitely offer repeat business, while generating positive word of mouth in the community.
What aspects of your current role do you find most challenging?
Business acumen isn’t a skill that came easily. I’m not a businessman by trade but I have strived hard to implement strategies to ensure the success of my practice. We switched to a fee based system two to three years ago and transferred a great deal of patients onto a direct debit which has really helped the business side of the practice flourish.
What advice would you give to current students?
Work hard and then work harder. Be a people person. Offering your patients that personal touch really helps to ensure you get that all-important repeat business. Learn to act. Charm and entertain your patients – make their experience with you memorable.
Would you change anything about your career?
You may think it’s a cliché, but absolutely nothing.
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