The Light's Too Bright

Episode 27 - Prisha Kotecha

Something a little different from Lights Too Bright. In this special POV-style episode, host Keyur takes to the hills for a 16-hill training walk ahead of the Three Peaks Challenge, joined by one of his oldest friends from university, Prisha Kotecha, an optometrist working at Boots Opticians. The format: one question at the top of each hill. Across the walk, Prisha talks about why she chose optometry, her pre-reg experience in Windsor, and the career wobbles that most clinicians will recognise. She also shares why communication, networking and teaching have been central to her development as a practitioner, and what running a children's play franchise alongside her clinical career taught her about connecting with people in the consulting room. Her advice for newly qualified optometrists? Stay calm, enjoy it, don't panic. New episodes of Lights Too Bright drop regularly on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to the channel for the full conversations: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadO2IUUeF0Tp3CpXHrLwCw [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadO2IUUeF0Tp3CpXHrLwCw] #Optometry #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #EyeHealth #OptometryLife #OptometryPodcast #CPD #ClinicalOptometry #PatientCare #LightsTooBright #OptometryCareer #EyeCareProfessionals #UKOptometry #NewlyQualified

Episode 26 - Karmelo Modina

In this engaging interview, Karmelo Modina shares his diverse journey through optometry, from clinical practice and research to charity work and entrepreneurship. Discover insights on career flexibility, the importance of continuous learning, and how to find your passion within the profession. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:10 Career Overview and Out of the Box Optics 05:11 Journey to Becoming an Optometrist 08:39 Pre-Registration Experience and Influences 10:45 Transitioning from Boots to Academia 15:01 Research Challenges and Teaching Opportunities 18:48 Future Aspirations and PhD Considerations 23:38 The Struggles of Commuting 24:37 Transitioning to Locum Work 25:43 The Birth of Out of the Box Optics 27:09 Navigating Opportunities in Optometry 30:38 Experiences in Film and TV Optometry 34:11 The Journey of Out of the Box Optics 39:58 Becoming a Practice Owner 44:20 Charity Work and Volunteering in Greece 49:34 0319 (1).mp4 Resources Out of the Box Optics - https://outoftheboxoptics.com/ [https://outoftheboxoptics.com/] Optoversity Challenge - https://optoversity.com/ [https://optoversity.com/] Light Without Borders Greece - https://lightwithoutborders.org/ [https://lightwithoutborders.org/] Western Eye Hospital - https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-services/hospitals/western-eye-hospital [https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-services/hospitals/western-eye-hospital] guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmelomodina/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmelomodina/]

Episode 25 - Trae Trott

Join Keyur as he interviews optometrist Trey Trott about his unique journey from Bermuda to the UK, his experiences with scleral lenses, and insights into optometry practice across different countries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trey Trott and His Journey 20:13 Navigating Optometry Education and Career Paths 29:31 The Importance of Professional Development in Optometry 39:38 Reflections on Practice and Future Aspirations resources Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-trott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-trott] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/treytrott [https://www.instagram.com/treytrott]

Episode 24 - Anu Laul

In this engaging conversation, Keyur and Anu discuss Anu's journey in optometry, from his initial aspirations to become an engineer to his eventual passion for eye care. They explore the evolution of optometry in the US, the increasing roles of optometrists in surgical procedures, and the importance of glaucoma care. Anu shares insights from his academic career and emphasizes the limitless opportunities within the field of optometry, encouraging students to keep an open mind and explore various paths. The discussion highlights the significance of networking and finding one's passion in the profession. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Chill Doctor 02:44 The Journey to Optometry 08:02 The Evolution of Optometry in the US 15:48 Training and Specialization in Optometry 23:17 The Value of Generalists vs. Specialists in Optometry 27:50 Networking and Career Beginnings 30:55 The Importance of Glaucoma in Optometry 36:55 Transitioning to Academia and Research 43:15 Diverse Opportunities in Optometry 47:28 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists 54:10 0319 (1).mp4

Episode 23 - Phil Morgan

In this engaging interview, Professor Philip Morgan shares his 36-year journey in optometry, his research in contact lenses, and insights into academic and industry collaborations. Discover how curiosity, support, and strategic opportunities shape a successful career beyond clinical practice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Philip Morgan 01:27 Philip's Academic Journey 03:42 The Influence of Personal Experience on Career Choice 06:12 Transitioning from Practice to Academia 14:12 The Diverse Opportunities in Optometry 18:09 The PhD Experience: Curiosity Over Intelligence 21:26 The Role of Research in Optometry Education 23:37 Industry Collaboration and Its Impact on Education 25:28 Teaching and Research: A Dual Role 28:41 The Science of Contact Lenses 32:56 Involvement in International Organizations 38:04 Advice for Aspiring Optometrists