The OT Podcast

In episode 12 of The OT Podcast, we speak to consultant, Allon Barsam. We talk to Allon about his career as an ophthalmologist; from the moment of clarity that set him on the pathway to ophthalmology, to his decisions on sub-specialities over the years.

In episode 11 of The OT Podcast, we speak to CEO of Hakim Group, Imran Hakim. We talk to Imran about his career as an optometrist, inventor and serial entrepreneur, and find out about his journey to establishing the fastest growing family of independent optometry practices in the UK and Ireland.

In episode 10 of The OT Podcast, we speak to director of the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo, Professor Lyndon Jones. We talk about Jones’ career path from DJing to optometry – a journey that has seen him travel almost 3500 miles from his hometown Cwmbran, Wales, making pitstops in Cardiff, London and Birmingham, before settling in Ontario, Canada.  

In episode nine of The OT Podcast, we speak to Dame Mary Perkins about her career in optics and the founding of Specsavers, as it marks its 40th anniversary this year.

Optometrist and owner of BBR Optometry, Nick Rumney, talks about education with The OT Podcast hosts, Dr Ian Beasley and Ceri Smith-Jaynes.

In the seventh episode of The OT Podcast, we speak to optometrist, entrepreneur and leadership coach, Peter Greedy

In the sixth episode of The OT Podcast, we speak to optometrist and head of eye care and vision at SeeAbility, Lisa Donaldson, about how people with learning disabilities can access good quality eye care.

In the fifth episode of The OT Podcast, we speak to optometrist and founder of Okko Health, Dr Stephanie Campbell, about artificial intelligence and how it may change optometry.

In episode four of The OT Podcast, we seek to work out what makes a positive and productive place to work. Speaking to OT on his birthday, our guest is Northumberland-based owner of Aaron Optometrists, Dr Peter Frampton. The IP optometrist and AOP member purchased the practice, which is now part of Hakim Group, in 1993. The move led to the Australian-native remaining in the UK following what was meant to be a short-term stop-off in the 1980s.

In episode three of The OT Podcast, our hosts, Dr Ian Beasley and Ceri Smith-Jaynes, shine a spotlight on the patient experience by talking to someone who is both a patient and an industry leader. Keith Valentine has 25 years’ experience in the charity sight loss sector and is currently chief executive of Fight for Sight – soon to merge with Vision Foundation UK. He lost his sight at the age of 36 as a result of retinitis pigmentosa.

Our hosts, OT’s Dr Ian Beasley and Ceri Smith-Jaynes, delve into the career of Scottish IP optometrist and practice owner, Ian Cameron, who shares insight into his passion for learning, professional variety and knowledge sharing. Cameron has been managing the award-winning Cameron Optometry in Edinburgh since 2011, when he took over the family business from his father. In 2022 the practice joined Hakim Group.  

Our hosts, OT’s Dr Ian Beasley and Ceri Smith-Jaynes, take a close look at the evolving field of myopia management, what it means for practitioners, and the evidence base behind it. They speak to the UK’s ‘Queen of myopia,’ Professor Nicola Logan, who has dedicated her research career to uncovering the answers to important questions about the development, progression and management of myopia.