Dr. Trusit Dave
PhD, BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FAAO

Why did you become an optometrist?
At the time when I was selecting my options for University, optometry was an interesting profession. For me, it was a choice between that and subjects such as dentistry, so I elected to go for the one which didn’t require probing into patient’s mouths and putting up with bad breath!!

Why did you become an optician?
I graduated in Optometry and Visual Science from City University in 1990 and at the age of 21 I qualified as an Optometrist. I was fed up of people looking at me as this baby-faced optom and constantly asking if I was qualified. That’s when I decided that it was time to grow old gracefully, and I decided to undertake a PhD, which I completed in 1995. It was something that I really wanted to do. In the same year that I completed my PhD, and on the day I had my viva in fact, I opened my own practice and pursued with that career path. Since starting up my own practice, I have continued research with various affiliations, publishing papers in various journals and lecturing extensively in Britain and overseas.   A few years ago I also co-authored a book on Orthokeratology.

I spent some of my career in Japan co-inventing the Topcon BV-1000, an automated subject refraction system. I now own a company called OptiMed Ltd, where we develop digital signage solutions, patient information systems using 3D animation, computerised visual acuity instruments and consulting room essentials.

What aspects do you enjoy most about your current role?
The variety – I am enthused about going into practice and I look forward to each day! I love meeting all the new people I come across in my job.

I adore the development aspect of my current role and the creative element it includes. I’m passionate about new ideas and technologies that we develop to help practices and eyecare professionals.

What aspects of your current role do you find most challenging?
Process elements and anything that is process related!! For a company to be successful and to make it work effectively, you have to develop rules and have processes in place. However, I see the day-to-day process as my biggest weakness and it can be quite challenging.  In order to address this I am lucky to be working with a team of colleagues who are very skilled in areas where I am deficient!

What advice would you give to current students?
If you’re in university or about to complete pre-reg, think about enhancing your skills and keep your mind open to opportunities.  You shouldn’t be afraid of undertaking further qualifications to expand your knowledge, as consumers will pay more for services rather than products. Consider current and future trends and identify where potential demand may lie. 

Would you change anything about your career?
I personally wouldn’t – I’m really grateful to be where I am today. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with people who have shared their knowledge and skills openly.   Many of my mentors have become very good personal friends.