Whether it’s a secure nine-to-five daily routine or something more tailored to your interests, the opportunities a career in optometry can provide are almost unlimited. Throughout her professional life, Imogen Hawthorne MCOptom has sought to explore the full range of those opportunities.
After completing her pre-registration with a high-street multiple in 2009, Imogen moved into hospital optometry at the Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary (WEI), progressing to Clinical Lead Optometrist and remodelling the WEI’s contact lens and low vision services. Imogen then joined SpaMedica in 2018, becoming the Midlands’ Regional Lead Optometrist and acting lead for the South.
At SpaMedica, she supplemented her main role with specialist clinical work in an extended optometrist role. On a monthly basis, she re-established a small medical contact lens service at Walsall Manor Hospital and also began working for a Midlands-based community ophthalmology service, Modality Community Services.
To make the most of the possibilities available, in spring 2021 Imogen adopted a portfolio approach, branching into education, developing service leadership skills and revisiting clinical research.
“At the moment, I work for Aston University as a Teaching Fellow. I am a module lead on the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for optometrists, as well as leading on Aston’s postgraduate clinical workshops,” says Imogen.
“Earlier this year, I started working for Newmedica, where I see cataract and glaucoma patients, including performing laser procedures – capsulotomy, SLT [selective laser trabeculoplasty] and iridotomy. Combining my passion for education with my enthusiasm for glaucoma, I am also developing online resources to support professional development in this area.
“I still do some NHS trust bank work and I support some external organisations doing online CPD and mock OSCE exams. I have also just started on the College Clinical Management Guidelines Reference Group, which I’m really enjoying.
“I’ve always been drawn to variety and thrive on new challenges. While you can’t say yes to everything, a portfolio approach has allowed me to explore different interests without burning out.”