Why Pom enjoys sharing his knowledge with pre-reg Optoms
What matters most to you in your career? A list of things will probably spring to mind, like great leadership, a good work-life balance and the opportunity to grow. If you’re a pre-registration Optometrist, passing the OSCE examinations will undoubtedly be high on that list too. This is where Pom steps in.
Pom is a Professional Development Tutor (PDT) at Vision Express and has been with the company for over 30 years. It’s his job to make sure that all pre-registration Optometrists have the tutor support that they need to become a Newly Qualified Optom, as well as supporting our Optometrist Store Managers and Pre-Reg Supervisors during their journey with Vision Express. He’s responsible for the training and development of our next cohort of change makers.
Read on to learn more about what he does and what he finds most rewarding about working as a Professional Development Tutor at Vision Express.
Firstly, tell us about your Optometrist career path so far
“I graduated in Optometry from Aston University in 1989 and joined Vision Express in September 1991, working at various locations. I became a PDT for the Midlands region six years ago and I’m now based at Wolverhampton.
Being a college supervisor for 26 years has enabled me to fulfil my role as a clinical instructor at Aston University. And finally, my professional experience has culminated in securing a clinical role at the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 as a volunteer.”
Can you describe what you do in your role as a PDT?
“As a PDT, my role involves developing a local support network for Professional Trainees, Pre-Reg Supervisors and Store Managers throughout the transition from Trainee to Newly Qualified Optom. This includes monitoring the progress of each trainee and providing additional guidance to anyone who encounters challenges during the Scheme of Registration.
Also, as part of the Pre-reg education programme, I facilitate tutorials and workshops, observe trainees conducting clinical work such as eye examinations, and provide written and verbal feedback.”
The aim of any PDT is to help Optometrist Store Managers and Pre-Reg Supervisors create a learning environment, where pre-reg Optometrists have the time to develop the skills they need for their next career step. But it’s also about building a strong foundation of knowledge. This will help them become confident in their abilities and support them with future career moves, whether that’s advancing to an Optometrist Store Manager or even a PDT role.
What is the most rewarding part of being a PDT?
“It has enabled me to broaden my horizons. I’ve expanded my skills to encompass new areas of optometry which means I can help others develop and achieve their potential.”
We look for high-achievers at Vision Express because we believe it’s one of a few core traits you need as an Optometrist . In return, we make sure they have support from people like Pom so they can develop to the fullest.
“It has allowed me to engage with the trainees throughout their Pre-reg journey and play an integral part in their professional development. It is heart-warming when I receive messages of gratitude from the trainees once they have passed their final assessments.”
Do you feel being a PDT enhances clinical knowledge?
“Absolutely. This role has allowed me to reflect and evaluate my current views and modes of practice; this can stimulate new perspectives on best-practice approaches, leading to enhanced patient care. To provide support, it is important not only to use my experience but also to understand current developments and guidelines.
Helping others to develop has helped my own knowledge and skill to evolve. A prime example is teaching trainees Goldman tonometry - something that is rarely done in community practice.”
What is the best piece of advice for those who want to become a PDT?
“Being a PDT is a fun and rewarding experience which, as I’ve mentioned, can help further your personal and professional development. Taking on more responsibility will not only make your work more varied and satisfying but also enable you to make a valuable contribution to the profession, within Vision Express and beyond.
There is a strong support network from Professional Services, Learning and Development, to help new PDTs settle into the role and become more confident. PDT is an attractive option as an increasing number of Optometrists choose a more flexible, portfolio career.”
Find out more about optical jobs at Vision Express
We want every person at Vision Express to do a job they enjoy. We put our colleagues at the centre, listening to what matters most to them so they can create joy in vision.
If you’re interested in exploring our optical careers, browse our Eye Care Professional roles or Optical Retail jobs .
Are you in a rush? Use our quick apply feature to send over your details, and we’ll reach out with some roles that could suit you.
Sign up for posts
Life at Vision Express
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
02/13/2024
Summary
In a world where the definition of a perfect work-life balance is constantly evolving, at Vision Express, we want to stand out as a beacon for Eyecare Professionals that are seeking not just a job,
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
01/25/2024
Summary
There are many things to think about when looking for the next step in your career, and one of the biggest considerations could be the flexibility of the role.Maybe you’re looking for set hours t
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
03/22/2023
Summary
Optometrists are professionals with a lot of knowledge and as an optometrist, your CV needs to reflect that. Your CV is how you get your foot in the door and is your first impression on your potenti
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
03/07/2023
Summary
The future of the eyecare industry is looking bright, with the estimated global eyewear market value for 2030 coming in at 270.8 billion pounds. Opticians are and will continue to be in high demand.
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
03/06/2023
Summary
From prescribing lenses to diagnosing and treating eye diseases, optometrists are highly skilled professionals with unique expertise that is in high demand. The optometry industry is rapidly evolvin
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Pre-RegistrationContent Type
PostPublish date
03/01/2023
Summary
Becoming a pre-registration optometrist can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As you work towards your goal of becoming a fully qualified optometrist, you’ll have the opportunity to develop
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
PostPublish date
02/20/2023
Summary
The 2022 General Optical Council report surveyed optical professionals around the country and found that more people were satisfied in their current roles. Why might this be? Optometry is the place
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
PostPublish date
02/14/2023
Summary
When you think back to your last eye care test, what does your memory conjure up? You probably remember being asked to look at a Snellen eye chart and list off the letters as they decrease in size w
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
PostPublish date
01/11/2023
Summary
You'll have come across a fair few Vision Express stores, but did you know we have as many as 600 dotted around the UK? Each and every day, our customers rely on these stores to stay open so we
by
Meeraj Gokani
Teaser
Eyecare ProfessionalContent Type
PostPublish date
01/09/2023
Summary
Optometry is an ever-changing industry with plenty of directions to take your career. That amount of choice means you can shape your career to what you want. But it can leave you questioning which
by
Meeraj Gokani
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Basingstoke - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
Internal
External
Location
England
Basingstoke
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
9579
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Worthing
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
Internal
External
Location
England
Worthing
Job area
Dispensing Optician
Description
Role overview As a Dispensing Optician at Vision Express, you’ll be responsible for helping our customers choose the right eyewear, ensuring that they fit the customer, and ensuring that they meet
Reference
10324
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Cirencester - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Cirencester
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
161
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Whitstable - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Whitstable
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
164
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Portsmouth - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Portsmouth
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
168
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Westwood Cross.
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Broadstairs
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
173
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Andover.
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Andover
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
175
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Taunton.
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Taunton
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
176
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Yeovil - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Yeovil
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
177
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Llansamlet, Swansea - Tesco
Job type
Permanent
Internal or External
External
Location
England
Llansamlet
Job area
Optometrist
Description
Role overview As an Optometrist at Vision Express, you’ll get to work with some world class technology including automated refraction, non-contact tonometry, automated keratometry, fundus camera, v
Reference
186
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Share in our stories
Everyone has an important part to play in our continuing success – whatever their role, their experience or their area of expertise. We’ve chosen some colleagues to give you a brief insight into what life’s like at Vision Express.
Read more