Career profile: Andrew Elder Smith FCOptom MSc DipCLP FBCLA FIACLE

30 July 2020
Summer 2020
Contact lenses Dispensing Independent prescribing

The Deputy Chair of CET Approvers at the GOC on specialising in contact lenses and his decision to sell his independent practice.

WHO? 
Andrew Elder Smith

CURRENT JOB? 
Clinical tutor and hospital optometrist

WHERE? 
University of Bradford, University of Manchester and Doncaster Royal Infirmary

Why did you choose optometry as a career?
I wanted a role in healthcare where I could help people and a job that gave me a good work/life balance.

How did the specialism in contact lenses (CLs) come about?
I was fascinated by both the technical and the clinical sides of the work. I also enjoy seeing the big grin that comes over people’s faces when they suddenly realise they can see without their glasses for the first time. You know it’s making a big difference to them.

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.

benefits of membership

Related further reading

Advice to the public as hay fever season begins

We explain the symptoms of hay fever and provide advice for managing symptoms for patients.

Contact lenses Public health

Twenty-three years travelling on the optometric ‘Yellow Brick Road’

For the very last issue of Optometry in Practice, Professor Jonathan Jackson MCOptom reflects on the past two decades of the journal and its contribution to our learning.

Children Contact lenses Glaucoma Infectious diseases

The use of silicone hydrogel lenses in community practice to promote corneal re-epithelialisati...

Silicone hydrogel lenses are becoming increasingly popular for recurrent corneal erosion.

Contact lenses