The Light's Too Bright

Dr Keyur Patel BSc(Hons) OD DipGlauc DipTp(IP) FAAO FCOptom FBCLA
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An Optometry degree does not mean you have to be an Optometrist. Dr Keyur Patel is an award winning optometrist who often gets bored with what he is doing. In this Podcast he talks to his friends and colleagues about their professional journeys in the eyecare world and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today. He talks to people in all aspects of the eyecare world, and discusses what they like, have not liked, what makes them stay and why and how did they leave.

  1. Jul 31

    Episode 29 - ISCLS - Questions on a Boat

    Conversations from the Ocean: Exploring the Passion and Challenges of OptometryJoin me on a remarkable journey aboard a boat off Portugal’s coast, where a series of candid interviews with optometrists reveal their dedication, innovations, and aspirations in eye care. This episode offers insights into the profession’s impact, current challenges, and future opportunities. Key Topics Covered:The personal motivations behind becoming an optometrist and the diverse paths into the professionThe most rewarding aspects of helping patients regain or improve their visionChallenges faced in the field such as scope of practice limitations, education reform, and access to advanced technologyThe importance of collaboration with ophthalmology and other healthcare professionalsInnovations in contact lenses, artificial intelligence in optometric practice, and future training modelsThe effect of legal and political factors on the scope of practice worldwideIdeas for improving patient access to optometry services and integrating advanced treatment optionsTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the boat tour and spontaneous optometry interviews 00:28 - Why optometrists recommend the profession and their motivations 01:02 - The most fulfilling moments helping patients see better 01:42 - Perspectives on education reform and the integration of AI tools 02:12 - Challenges in practice scope and legal restrictions across countries 02:43 - The vital role of collaboration with ophthalmologists for better outcomes 03:05 - Personal stories on career shifts and what they would change in the profession 03:26 - The future of optometry: merging different fields and expanding scope 04:00 - Reflections on patient impact and the profession’s future

  2. Jun 27

    Episode 28 - Sarah Farrant

    Sarah Farrant shares her inspiring journey through optometry, from her early interests to her leadership roles and specialisation in dry eye management. Discover how passion, networking, and continuous learning can shape a successful career in eye care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Faran 01:12 Sarah's Journey to Optometry 05:59 Experiences in New Zealand 10:22 Returning to the UK and Starting a Practice 15:39 Diving into Professional Politics and Advocacy 16:58 Specializing in Dry Eye Treatment 21:21 Public Speaking and Lecturing Journey 23:30 The Importance of Networking in Professional Development 26:20 Embracing Opportunities for Learning and Growth 28:48 Building Relationships and Learning from Others 31:03 Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt 33:59 The Role of Conferences in Professional Development 36:31 The Intersection of Dry Eye Management and Contact Lenses 39:00 The Challenges of Defining Expertise in Dry Eye Treatment 41:29 The Importance of Proper Assessment in Dry Eye Clinics 43:56 Finding Your Passion and Embracing Opportunities 46:40 Final Thoughts on Career Development and Passion 48:19 0319 (1).mp4 Resources British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) - https://www.bcla.org.uk/ Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) - https://www.tearfilm.org/ Specialized Ophthalmic Instruments (SOS) - https://sosophthalmic.co.uk/

  3. May 31

    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 #Optometry #Ophthalmology #EyeCare #EyeHealth #OptometryLife #OptometryPodcast #CPD #ClinicalOptometry #PatientCare #LightsTooBright #OptometryCareer #EyeCareProfessionals #UKOptometry #NewlyQualified

  4. May 17

    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/ Optoversity Challenge - https://optoversity.com/ Light Without Borders Greece - https://lightwithoutborders.org/ Western Eye Hospital - https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/our-services/hospitals/western-eye-hospital guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmelomodina/

  5. May 3

    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 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/treytrott

  6. Mar 29

    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

  7. Mar 16

    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

  8. Mar 2

    Episode 22 - Peter Greedy

    In this episode, Peter Greedy shares his diverse journey from optometry to coaching and entrepreneurship, highlighting lessons learned along the way. Discover insights on leadership, resilience, and how to stay passionate in your profession. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peter Greedy 02:06 Peter's Journey into Optometry 07:24 Experiences at University and Cult Influence 09:23 Early Career and Family Life 12:13 Transitioning from Practice to Management 15:15 Exploring Leadership and Coaching 18:57 The Shoelace Venture 29:29 Reflections on Career Satisfaction and Advice 39:58 0319 (1).mp4 Resources Peter Greedy's Website - https://petergreedy.com Greeper Laces - https://greeper.com LinkedIn Profile of Peter Greedy - https://linkedin.com/in/petergreedy guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/petergreedy

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About

An Optometry degree does not mean you have to be an Optometrist. Dr Keyur Patel is an award winning optometrist who often gets bored with what he is doing. In this Podcast he talks to his friends and colleagues about their professional journeys in the eyecare world and the steps they have taken to get to where they are today. He talks to people in all aspects of the eyecare world, and discusses what they like, have not liked, what makes them stay and why and how did they leave.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Keyur Patel BSc(Hons) OD DipGlauc DipTp(IP) FAAO FCOptom FBCLA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr Keyur Patel BSc(Hons) OD DipGlauc DipTp(IP) FAAO FCOptom FBCLA
  • Show Website
    The Light's Too Bright