Career profile: Dr Janet Pooley

31 October 2019
Autumn 2019

The Optometric Adviser to the Scottish Government explains how community practice has informed her career.

WHO?
Dr Janet Pooley

CURRENT JOB?
Optometric Adviser to the Scottish Government

WHERE?
Edinburgh

Why did you want to become an optometrist?

My mum worked in the head office of a large optometric company, which gave me the idea. I was also interested in science at school.

You practised as a community optometrist in primary care for 15 years. What did you enjoy most?

Working with patients. Seeing people over a long period of time and supporting them when things became difficult was rewarding.

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of the College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

The College of Optometrists' public consultation on the next edition of its Guidance for Professional Practice is open for feedback until Monday 3 August 2026.

Read our round-up of the College's latest policy, influencing and member engagement activities in Wales.

The main purpose of the bill is to abolish NHS England and centralise its services, creating single patient records where patient health information is available in one place.