Birstall Optician, Leicester

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optometrist / Director and I've worked for Opticare since 2007.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

Yes I wear glasses most of the time and contact lenses socially. I love the fashion side of specs and the different colours/styles now available. My favourite brand right now is Etnia Barcelona.

What does a typical day at Opticare look like?

The variety each day brings! No one patient is the same, and I enjoy meeting so many different people, looking after patients year on year!

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I was really proud to have won a national award for student of the year in 2015, closely followed by passing my pre-ref exams in 2017 - it was a long hard road, but worth it! When I'm not working I try to keep fit going to the gym 4/5 times a week, and I love to socialise with friends.

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an optometrist and Co-founder / Director of Opticare Opticians

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I wear multifocal gas permeable contact lenses which allowed me to do all my daily tasks and hobbies easily.

What does a typical day at Opticare look like?

I don't consider anything typical with my daily work. Each day presents with a new challenge and different patient experiences. I enjoy with my work is being able to see so many diverse people on a daily basis, and being able to build long-term professional relationships with them.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I enjoy travelling and eating a variety of different cuisines. My favourite holiday destination is probably Cape Town in South Africa. The people are lovely and the city is so rich with culture.

What do you do at Opticare?

Optometrist & Director, I occasionally locummed for Opticare since 2013, and joined full time in 2017.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I have a very small prescription so occasionally wear prescription sunglasses. I like that my pair of Ray Ban sunglasses are both prescription and authentic Ray-Bans made in their factory in Italy - which have the Ray-Ban logo etched on the lens.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I love to watch my favourite football team in action - Leicester City. I also enjoy playing badminton, reading and binge watching box sets! Too many favourite holiday locations to choose from but particular highlights have been Barcelona, Rome, New York, Havana and Kenya!

What do you do at Opticare?

I started the company in 1991 with Shaishav Shah. I'm an Optometrist / Director / occasional tea & coffee maker!

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I wear silhouette frames with OptiPersonalise Sensity lenses. I also have Persol prescription sunglasses. I love the fashion element of spectacle wear primarily. I wear 1 Day ACUVUE contact lenses for yoga, hiking and Rock concerts. I particularly like Silhouette frame -  classic Austrian designs and lightweight. Superb!

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I love working with the team, this makes the business always exciting to work for. I have 3 daughters. And in my spare time I hike, exercise, Bikram Yoga, I go to as many Rock/ Heavy metal concerts as possible!

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Adviser, and I've worked at Opticare since 2013. I welcome patients to the practice, take bookings for appointments, and assist with dispensing and general admin.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

Yes, I wear Varifocal glasses, I like the convenience of them. My favourite brand is Ray Ban.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

My favourite holiday destination is New York, I love Seafood, and my favourite film is Dirty Dancing - shows you can't judge a book by it cover.

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Assistant, and have been at Opticare since 2018. It's very varied, mostly helping people find the perfect pair of glasses.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I wear glasses and contact lenses. I love my glasses, they are bright and fun but I also love the freedom my contact lenses give for my social life.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

My favourite holiday is visiting Italy. And I love to dance - my favourite film is Dirty dancing; it's a feel-good film that you can watch any time.

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Assistant, and I've worked at Opticare since 2001. I love being in a busy clinic and helping patients choose their frames.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

Yes, I wear glasses. I like how fashion changes - I love the bright colours at the moment. My favourite brand at the moment is Etnia but I have a soft spot for Rayban.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

In my spare time, I like to see my grandchildren, and I read too much! My favourite film is The Upside - it's funny, heartwarming and a true story. And my favourite holiday destination is Cyprus.

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Assistant, in training and I starting working at Opticare in 2018. I like that every day is a little bit different - helping patients choose frames, fitting frames, and I help out with general admin and tech support.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

Yes both, I prefer contact lenses because high Rx and lens thickness and limits my frame choice.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

When I'm not busy studying, I like eating out with friends (especially pizza!) and planning holidays anywhere hot!

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Assistant, and I starting working at Opticare in 2020. I like meeting all the different patients we serve, working with the amazing friendly staff. Everyday is a different day its a new challenge which keeps you motivated.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

Yes, I wear glasses. I like that they can be a fashion accessory as well as obviousky helping my vision. Etnia Barcelona are my favourite brand because they are quirky, different, colourful and comfortable to wear.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

In my spare time I like to go to boxing classes - and of course shop! My favourite film is The Bodyguard, I think I've watched it over a thousand times - love a bit of Whitney!

What do you do at Opticare?

I am an Optical Assistant, so I'm responsible for greeting customers, helping them choose glasses, dispensing along with some admin jobs. We have a really friendly team here and when I started in October 2020 I was made to feel welcome.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I normally prefer to wear my contacts, but I love my Calvin Klein glasses.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I like to relax by spending time with family and friends - I'm a proud auntie now! My favourite film is Will Ferrel's Elf, I love Christmas!

What do you do at Opticare?

I'm the Audiologist, and I started working with Opticare in 2019.

What does a typical day at Opticare look like?

I administer the hearing tests, wax removals and advise our patients on general ear heath - busy busy busy! I like the friendly atmosphere at Opticare with both the patients and the staff.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

When I'm not busy at Opticare, I really enjoy cooking, the occasional ale and looking after the many animals I appear to have acquired - oh and my five children who haven't driven me insane yet!

What do you do at Opticare?

I'm an Optical Assistant. I joined the Opticare team in summer 2022.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I have been wearing glasses for about a year now, I prefer smaller frames which I find more comfortable. Etnia Barcelona is my favourite designer brand.

What does a typical day at Opticare look like?

I like meeting our lovely patients as soon as they arrive, making sure they are made welcome. I also help with collections as well. I love working with a great team, everyone is so helpful.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

In my spare time I like baking, drawing, walking and sharing a pizza with friends. My favourite place I've visited is Mexico - they have amazing beaches!

What do you do at Opticare?

I'm Locum Optometrist and I work one day a week between the Leicester practices. I qualified at Aston University, and I'm currently completing my Independent Prescribing qualification.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses yourself?

I don't wear glasses myself, but I like how versatile they can be and offer different looks! Etnia Barcelona is a particular favourite.

What does a typical day working at Opticare look like for you?

It depends day to day; fitting contact lenses, providing Blephex treatments, explaining OCT scan results and educating patients about their eyes. I love the variety and the time we are allowed to spend with each patient to really give them a personalised eye examination experience.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself

I'm Vice Chairman of the LOC, and East Midlands Council Member for the College of Optometrists, which I feel humbled to have the opportunity to do. In my spare time I enjoy playing competitive Tennis at my local club, travelling, and tasting new food!