A HAVERFORDWEST optician has been recognised at a national awards ceremony for his dedication to improving local and national eye health.
Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers in Haverfordwest, was one of just two Specsavers directors in the UK to receive an award at Specsavers’ Awards for Excellence after dedicating the past decade of his career to advancing enhanced optical services.
Enhanced optical services refer to the additional training undertaken by optometrists and other eye health professionals to improve their clinical abilities and knowledge, boosting patients’ treatment.
Mr Britton said: “To be recognised at such a prominent ceremony in front of my optical peers and colleagues within my industry was an unforgettable experience. I’m over the moon.
“As a practice, our focus remains on working with other opticians, local health boards and doctors surgeries to reduce the list of patients waiting for eye health assessments. Eye care is evolving to meet increased demand. It is essential we keep learning and upskilling to ensure our patients get the best possible care.”
Mr Britton has played an essential role in better treating eye health-related issues, not only in his community but also the broader optometry field.
He is currently assisting with the development of a pathology course in London, which will be used to train other Specsavers optometrists across the UK, and he is also a proactive member of Optometry Wales’ Regional Optical Committee.
He has also completed postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma, improving his diagnosis and management of the condition, and he has recently completed an independent prescribing course, which enables him to advise GPs on treatment and will eventually allow him to prescribe directly to patients – further relieving pressure on local GP clinics.
Paul Morris, director of professional advancement at Specsavers, said: “His commitment to educating optometrists; pioneering services; working with health boards, Optometry Wales and the Specsavers group; while also leading his team, is exemplary. He has also played an unsung role in system and environment design that has benefited innumerable colleagues to better serve patients.”
Specsavers’ biennial awards, held in Birmingham, celebrated the optical achievements of its stores across the country. It received 238 entries in 13 different categories including excellence in overall performance and clinical excellence. More than 1,000 Specsavers staff from across the UK attended the ceremony, which was hosted by actor James Nesbitt.
