Meet the Women of Optometry Scotland: International Women’s Day Spotlight!
To mark International Women’s Day, we asked some of the women involved in Optometry Scotland to share a little about their role, experiences, and what inspires them in their work.
Today we are pleased to introduce Eilidh Thomson, Chair of Optometry Scotland, and Kathryn Trimmer, Organisational Representative for FODO Scotland (The Association of Eyecare Providers). Both play an important role in supporting community optometry across Scotland and helping shape the future of eye care.
We began our interviews with a few personal questions to learn more about the work Eilidh and Kathryn do, both in their roles with Optometry Scotland and in practice. It was a great opportunity to hear about their professional journeys, what motivates them in their work, and the experiences that have shaped their careers in optometry.
Eilidh Thomson – Chair, Optometry Scotland and Optometrist with Black & Lizars
Question: Can you explain your current role and what your work involves?
Eilidh:
“I am currently chair of Optometry Scotland. I lead our board comprising of directors from across the sector who represent multiple and independent members of OS along with honorary members from other sector partners. I lead discussion with Scottish Government Eyecare Team ensuring board views are represented including in fee negotiations and development of new enhanced eyecare services. I am also a full-time practising IP and NESGAT optometrist.”
Question: What first drew you to a career in optometry?
Eilidh:
“I was always interested in a career that would be science based and people facing. Optometry ticked those boxes. I enjoy getting to know my patients and find solutions to their vision problems.”
Question: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Eilidh:
“Working through the COVID pandemic was not something I ever expected to have to navigate in my career. There was so much uncertainty, and we were forced think outside the box to deliver care to patients. Now, I look back proud of how the profession stepped up. Personally, I was forced to become better at making clinical decisions based only on patient history. It made me better at asking the right questions to get the answers I needed to initiate treatment plans and these are skills I have been able to carry forward today.”
Kathryn Trimmer, Organisational Representative for FODO Scotland
Question: Can you explain your current role and what your work involves?
Kathryn:
“I work in community optometric practice 3 days a week, utilising my IP qualification daily. I keep things interesting by also working in governance roles with FODO as Chair of FODO Scotland and sit on the College of Optometrists Board as a Trustee, so my working week is very mixed!”
Question: What first drew you to a career in optometry?
Kathryn:
“I was your typical pre-teen myope, who required frequent optometrist visits for my increasing myopia. The practice I visited were so good at answering all my questions and piquing my interest in Optometry.”
Question: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Kathryn:
“Communication is the key to patients’ compliance with any advice, and to absorbing bad news. As a graduate I realised, I had a lot of work to do on this! Good communication is now my area of interest and enjoy delivering CPD on this topic.”
Eilidh and Kathryn are both passionate advocates for the profession and are always keen to share their experience to help inspire those considering a career in eyecare. When asked about their advice and what more can be done to support women in the profession, they shared some thoughtful reflections and insights.
Eilidh Thomson – Chair, Optometry Scotland and Optometrist with Black & Lizars
Question: What advice would you give to women considering a career in optometry?
Eilidh:
“This career blends science, technology and patient care. If you enjoy all those things, a career in optometry could be for you. There will be busy days, and stressful clinics but being able to understand a patient’s issue and find a solution for it provides a lot of job satisfaction.”
Question: What can UK practices do to ensure female eye care professionals feel valued, rewarded, and have the power to progress equally?
Eilidh:
“Women make up about 2/3rds of the profession in the UK yet are underrepresented in management positions. Championing women to excel in these positions within the sector will allow for better representation.”
Kathryn Trimmer, Organisational Representative for FODO Scotland
Question: What advice would you give to women considering a career in optometry?
Kathryn:
“it is a great career for a busy working mum as there isn’t work to take home!”
Question: What can UK practices do to ensure female eye care professionals feel valued, rewarded, and have the power to progress equally?
Kathryn:
“I believe that Optometry as an industry is very supportive of women, I don’t feel that I have had less opportunities because of my gender. We currently have a female president of the College of Optometrists, a female Optometric Advisor to the Scottish Government, and a female Chair of Optometry Scotland! So, there are many opportunities to progress.”
Thank you Eilidh and Kathryn!
We would like to thank Eilidh and Kathryn for sharing their reflections and for the leadership they continue to provide within Optometry Scotland and across the profession. Optometry Scotland is proud to work with dedicated professionals who support patients, colleagues and the continued development of community eye care across Scotland.
If you are a woman considering a career in optometry, we encourage you to explore the opportunities within eyecare. Optometry Scotland regularly attends events and careers sessions to speak with those interested in the profession. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on office@optometryscotland.org.uk
Happy International Women’s Day!