Reforms of the NHS in England, Scotland and Wales mean there is an increasing need for optometrists to get involved. So how do you make a difference? Does it always have to be a major commitment, or are there easier ways to take part in shaping the profession? And what’s the reward, personally and professionally? We asked current and future leaders.

Farra Raqib MCOptom is Chair of the local optical committee (LOC) in Derbyshire. “I got involved out of curiosity. What is going on with systems? Why are patients not being seen when I feel they need to be seen in hospital? 

“I realised there was such a misunderstanding of what clinical care optometrists can provide. There are a lot of other professionals who think it is all about glasses, completely neglecting the whole healthcare side. I’ve sat with other clinicians and said, ‘we know how to do Goldmann applanation tonometry,’ and they have been shocked.”