Our people
Meet some of the College team - and find out what it's really like to work with us.
We come from a range of backgrounds, have a range of skills and specialisms and work in a range of roles: from clinical advice, communications and CPD and education to policy, PR and research – and everything in between. You can find out more about which team does what by meeting our senior management team.
We’ve asked a few colleagues to give an inside view of life at the College. Take a look at our case studies to find out what it’s really like to work here:
Olivier Deneve
Public Affairs Manager, College of Optometrists
What do you do? My role is stakeholder management - mainly to promote the profession to the government.
Why is this important? Optometrists have so much to offer to provide the highest quality of eye care, it is important to raise awareness of their always expanding clinical skills and competencies for the public benefit.
Why did you apply for a job at the College? Because I wear glasses?! More seriously, I was particularly interested in the College’s wide scope of activities, spanning from education to communication and from research to policy. I was looking for a role covering various activities and topics; the College gave me this opportunity.
What makes the College a good place to work in? There’s a great team, great spirit, great atmosphere – and the coffee machine certainly does a great job! I feel fully supported and trusted by my colleagues and management every single day - everybody in my team and the wider team is professional, supportive and friendly.
Amy Dowse
Events Manager, College of Optometrists
What do you do? I work with the Head of Events and two Events Co-ordinators to arrange the College’s offering of events. This includes: the annual conference and exhibition, Optometry Tomorrow (our major national conference) and Optometry Tomorrow Bitesize (our one day conference), the annual Diploma Ceremony, our UK-wide programme of evening & breakfast CET events and our pre-reg trainee conference, Insight. We’re somewhat busy!
Why is it important? Our events are a huge benefit of College membership. Not only do they offer those vital CET points, but they’re an excellent way of maintaining relationships with local colleagues, building new links and keeping up to date with what the College is doing for its members.
Why did you apply for a job at the College? I’d previously worked as Conference Officer for a professional body for mathematicians. The College appealed to me because it has more members, more diverse events and to experience a different profession. It helped that I knew what an optometrist was.
What’s it like working here? The College has a lovely, homely feel; I felt at ease immediately. I’ve worked at the College for over six years now, and I put that down to working alongside brilliant colleagues, the events constantly evolving and keeping my interest, and the birthday croissants!
How would you do describe your team? And the wider team? I’m lucky to be part of an amazing group of hardworking, likeminded team members – we work together brilliantly, have fun in the office, and enjoy seeing the events come to fruition. The Events team is part of the wider Member Services and Communications team who are all fantastic, and cope with our constant demands without question. Our events wouldn’t be half as popular without the hard work of the marketing team!
Jo Williams
Marketing and Communications Executive, College of Optometrists
When I think of the College, I think of a professional organisation that is always happy to help and tries to do its very best for members. I hadn’t actually heard of the College before I applied for my job, but the more I read about it the more interesting I found the subject of optometry, and my role sounded quite exciting and challenging. It’s also great that the College is a 9-5 organisation and you aren’t expected to ‘take work home with you’. My handbag’s heavy enough...
I love my team - they’re a bit like a second family! It’s a very caring environment. Someone is always looking out for you and ready to muck in with everything from stuffing conference bags to lugging boxes. Everyone is very approachable and we like to laugh – whilst working hard, of course. And we do some very cool stuff for our members.
Lee Rolls
Trainee Services Coordinator, College of Optometrists
The College is very member focused and works hard to meet the needs and aspirations of its members offering support in training, education and professional guidance all of which works to the benefit of their patients as well.
In my role, I provide administrative support as well as dealing with people resolving their queries and problems. There’s a friendly and supportive environment with good teamwork. I deal with friendly and supportive staff within the College and the management team is open to ideas and will work with you to address challenges, consider your ideas and implement your suggestions. We’re encouraged to work together on finding forward looking and progressive ways to develop and improve activities to meet our members’ needs.
The College is a pleasant and positive place to work with good opportunities for staff to obtain further training and progress in their career when possible. There’s a good benefits package, including season ticket loans and a childcare vouchers scheme, which I have used in the past. I’ve yet to use health plan, but will be using it for sight test and dental visits.