I qualified in 2016 working in a large chain multiple in the Midlands and then in Berkshire until moving in 2018 to Shrewsbury. Wanting to move forward in my career I began locumming for local independents which changed my outlook on practicing. With Martin Haynes wanting to retire from practice, myself and Ashley Lewis saw an opportunity to take on one of the most established and long standing independents in the town. Confident we could continue to offer an amazing customer experience whilst ensuring we provide the most up to date styles, lenses and testing equipment. My special interest has been myopia management in the young, being able to change the course of sight progression for patients has been a new exciting frontier. As the sole optometrist and a partner, being able to see patients year on year and develop relationships has been something I’ve looked forward to. I feel this has given our patients much needed continuity especially with recent years of changes in healthcare.

Having originally started my career in optics working at Boots Opticians in 1999 as an optical sales advisor I moved to work with Ashley, joining his independent practice in 2001. In 2006 I started my family which led to a 16 year break from the industry. During this time I worked as a Teaching Assistant in a local school which enabled me to balance children and work easier; now that both my children are teenagers and no longer need (want) me around all the time, I decided it would be a good time to change. Knowing Ashley for years and having enjoyed my time spent working for him previously when the opportunity arose it was an easy decision. Having been back in optics for a year now I haven’t looked back. We are a great team and I truly believe we are able to offer the best customer service to our client base.

My interest in business started in 1985 but it wasn’t until 1999 I discovered a passion for optics, opening my first practice, Eyewear Direct in Shrewsbury and shortly after another in Oswestry. In 2002 an opportunity arose to purchase an optical manufacturing plant in Yorkshire, this led to me selling my practices in Shropshire to further my knowledge in lens crafting. This is where my passion lies and I enjoy ensuring that I get the best possible lens outcomes for every pair of glasses we create. In 2019 Martin approached me about taking on his practice due to his retirement. Having recently been introduced to Amrinder through a mutual friend and having manufactured lenses for Martin for a number of years it was an easy decision. Being a partner in Martin Haynes Eyecare has enabled me to bring my working life back to Shrewsbury and a better work/life balance, subsequently leading me to sell my manufacturing business and practices in Yorkshire. Knowing how loyal Martin’s client base is it has been very important to me to continue the excellent optical experience that is attached to the name.

Living in Shrewsbury all of my life I started my career in optics in 2014 in the fast paced environment of Specsavers Opticians, I have been in optics ever since. In 2019 I left to have my first child and I knew that on my return I wanted a change, seeking an environment where I was able to give every customer my all and provide continuity of care whilst being able to further my knowledge of lens options and dispensing without limitations. Independent practice had always been something I’ve been interested in so when a position opened up at Martin Haynes Eyecare I jumped at the chance to become part of the team.