Passing it on: being an effective supervisor
Three optometrists talk about the skills and experience needed to become an effective supervisor.
Tell us about your career journey to becoming an optometrist and why you chose this profession.
Angharad Bowie (AB): As a child, my mum often read me the Topsy and Tim book where they go to the opticians, and I thought it was really interesting. I always said: “When I grow up, I’m going to be an optometrist.” At 16, I started working at my current branch and loved the whole patient journey. I did my A-levels and went to university. Then I did my pre-registration year in the store I’m at now and I have been an optometrist here for the last 11 years. I love forming a rapport with my patients and meeting different people every day.
Raqia Hanif (RH): I didn’t know much about optometry at first, but I was very interested and loved the idea of owning an optician franchise one day. In Scotland, there was only one course – at Glasgow Caledonian – so I went to an open day. Then I went to see a practice and absolutely loved it: the professionalism, the interaction with customers, the ambience. I’ve not looked back since.
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Patients will be paid £20 per session and all travel expenses will be reimbursed.
With just four weeks to go, now is the time to secure your place at Optometry Tomorrow 2026. The College of Optometrists' flagship conference takes place on 14 and 15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre.
