Meet one of Optegra’s longest-serving and most passionate team members – Lead Optometrist Oliver Bowen-Thomas. Since joining the Surrey hospital in 2010, Olly has been at the heart of delivering exceptional eye care.
Having worked in optics since 1993 under the watchful eye of his father, who owned an optician practice, he said: “I always said I would not follow in my Dad’s footsteps, and then ended up working with him and absolutely loved it! I went on to train to be a dispensing optician in London and then moved to optometry at the age of 24. I have enjoyed my career ever since.”
At Optegra Surrey, Olly mainly worked on the private vision correction pathway, and then moved to the Whiteley, Hampshire hospital in 2011.
“Initially, I was mainly working in diagnostics as at that point treatments were consultant-led. Over time, this has changed to optometrists playing a greater role on the patient journey, and since 2021, I have focused mainly on NHS cataract and private vision correction patients and have enjoyed offering YAG laser treatments since 2023.
“I also had the opportunity within Optegra to complete an independent prescribing course in 2017, so my career has advanced over the years by developing new skills.”
Asked about his career at Optegra, he said: “It’s all about the people – so many very good colleagues to work for and alongside. The ethos of the company is to be staff-focused as much as it possibly can be, and it shows that the leadership team care about staff.
“Also, the patients – from early memories of a gentleman whose prescription was so severe we had to create a specialist lens, and then his delight at his new vision. To so many lovely patients over the years, from their interesting stories to their joy after treatment. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling role.”
Looking to the future with optimism and purpose, Olly said: “As the healthcare market is changing, from the NHS to an increasingly ageing population, it is right that we change also, and so I think bringing back treatments for AMD and glaucoma is the right move, and I look forward to continuing my career here.”
