Shreeti Lakhani
BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA

Principal Optometrist, Contact Lens Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital

Why did you become an optometrist?
Well I suppose I have the traditional answer it was a good combination of science subjects and caring for people, without the long studies of medicine. Truth is I have no idea, life just sometimes leads you down a path that is calling out to you, and often you dont even hear it!

Why did you become an optician?
Originally I wanted to be a Pharmacist ‘just like my uncle’; however after work experience in a Pharmacy, I realised I needed more patient interaction. The science subjects were always my forte, and then as if by magic, I found myself working at an Opticians’ over the summer holidays. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with patients and found this in itself exhilarating, as well as challenging. Each patient was so different and I really enjoyed developing an individual rapport with each one. The answer as to why I decided to become an optician is definitely due to the fact that I like working with, and meeting new people.

Describe your path to your current position?
I did my pre-registration year in hospital and continued working there after qualifying, developing my hospital experience. After a trip round the world, incorporating some charity work in India, I began working part-time in an independent practice whilst continuing part-time hospital work. A job opportunity came up at Moorfields Eye Hospital which enabled me to further develop my hospital skills and also continue my practice career. This is when I truly developed my passion for contact lens work, which was partly ignited by my pre-registration supervisor. When the chance to run the Contact Lens Service was available, I took it with both hands with the support of my colleagues, and haven’t regretted it since, so here I am. What aspects do you enjoy most about your current role? I love the variety in my job, being able to deal with a wide range of medical contact lens cases and working in ophthalmology shared care clinics, all in the same week, definitely keeps it exciting. I also enjoy the teaching component of my job, in addition to working in a team environment, both with other optometrists, and ophthalmologists; this is definitely one of the great things about hospital optometry.

What aspects of your current role do you find most challenging?
Finding the appropriate work life balance is definitely the biggest challenge.

What advice would you give to current students?
There is a whole range of things you can do with your optometry degree so don’t feel restricted … the world of optometry is your oyster.

Would you change anything about your career?
No, not a thing … just wish there was more time in the day!