Jay graduated from the University of Wales, College of Cardiff and qualified as an optometrist in 2001 after completing her pre-registration year in independent practice.  After a period in working within the multiple sector, she joined a specialist independent practice in 2003 and was involved in diabetic shared care, community minor injury schemes, myopia control and orthokeratology clinics as well as carrying out regular eye examinations and contact lens consultations, which she continued until 2018.

In 2005, she joined Moorfields Eye Hospital part-time undertaking specialist contact lens clinics (paediatric, cosmetic, scleral, therapeutics, post-surgical cornea) as well as paediatric extended role, glaucoma, cataract, external disease, complex refraction, adult and paediatric low vision clinics. Her role also involved teaching and supervising clinical staff. In 2009, she was appointed Optometry Education Lead at Moorfields, alongside maintaining clinical commitments, which involved setting up the education section for the optometry department. This involved developing learning and development for staff, providing continuing education and training courses which were delivered nationally, expanding these and developing a highly motivated team to continue to deliver them.

In 2013, she joined UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology and set up the College of Optometrists Higher Qualifications in glaucoma. As the founding programme director, she set up and together with a team, developed and delivered Advanced Clinical Practice in Ophthalmology (for non-medical professionals) Master’s level programmes for which she is also glaucoma module lead. Her work also involves reviewing ophthalmic postgraduate education frameworks for non-medical professionals. Jay continues her clinical and education career and is passionate about developing optometrists in all sectors to take on advanced practice or specialist roles.