We are pleased to report that 2022 has been much less eventful than the previous year, and whilst we still live with some Covid restrictions, we are largely back to business as usual. We are now able to reflect on a year that has seen further positive developments for the practice. Here are some of our highlights.
Staff development
Our staff are known for their desire to keep improving, and there is always someone with their head in the books on their lunch break. This year, Amy graduated to become a fully fledged dispensing optician after three years of study and practice. Ian has furthered his glaucoma expertise by completing the NHS Education for Scotland Glaucoma Award Training, having completed training on the use of lasers for glaucoma last year. Whilst Gillian is furthering her expertise in myopia management undertaking a new module through Glasgow Caledonian University. Finally, Birgit completed her optical assistant apprenticeship, a qualification Sophie will also complete in the new year.
An internal reshuffle saw Alexandra taking on the role of clinical lead, whilst Amy became head of buying. We also welcomed Jen as our new practice manager, and Jess and Karla on Front of House, whilst Natalie joined our admin team upstairs. Our behavioural optometrist, Emma, also officially joined our team of optometrists, whilst she continues to run our Vision Therapy Clinic. We now have six independent prescribing optometrists, with Emma soon to make it seven, more than any other practice in the UK, something we are very proud of as we strive to provide the highest standard of clinical care for our patients.
Charity and community
We always like to do our bit to help others where we can. This year we have supported some incredible charities including the DEC Ukraine appeal, FlySpec, Edinburgh Direct Aid, Edinburgh Youth Cafe, the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, U-Evolve, Sight Saving Surgery Scotland, Make 2nds Count, Unicef, Bethany, Turtle Rescue, Salvation Army, Brightstar and Steps to Hope. We will continue to make monthly donations to charities next year, so please do recommend a charity you would like us to support.
In addition, we have set up a dedicated environmental impact committee in the practice to ensure a concerted effort is made to make choices that are best for the environment. This includes stocking brands that share our values, making changes within the practice such as reducing single use plastics, and promoting our contact lens and spectacles recycling projects.
And finally…
Some of you may be aware that one of our team did something incredible that deserves a very special mention. Ian donated a kidney to a friend in need. You don’t hear a lot about living organ donations and so we wanted to highlight this and know Ian is happy to discuss his experience with anyone considering any kind of donation.
So, all in all, it has been another year filled with positives. Our biggest highlight is being able to care for more patients with the relaxation of restrictions and additional team members. Thank you once more to all our incredibly supportive patients. We wish you all a healthy and happy 2023.
