Kingsbridge Opticians would like to welcome our newest Optometrist Charlotte McMullan to the team. To find out a bit more about Charlotte we have compiled a fun Q&A.
Give us a brief outline of your career to date?
I have been working in Optics since I was 18. I worked in two different independent optometry practices close to home as an optical assistant while completing my qualification to become an Optometrist. Since then, I have been working as an Optometrist in a national chain before joining Kingsbridge Opticians earlier this year.
What was your favourite subject at school?
When I was completing my A-Levels my favourite subject was religious studies. I can’t decide if this was because I loved the teacher, the subject, or our weekly classes where we got to eat cake and drink tea. It was always fun!
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so, where did you study and where?
Yes, I studied Optometry at Ulster University.
How did you get into your area of work?
I got glasses when I was 16 at school and at the time, I remember being interested in all that was happening during my eye test. After this I spent a few days shadowing my Optometrist for work experience and loved it. Shortly after I started working in my local store as an optical assistant on a Saturday and progressed on from there.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, I’ve always been interested in a job in healthcare, but when I was younger, I wanted to be a vet.
What does a typical day entail?
I spend my day conducting thorough eye examinations and contact lens appointments, whether it is an initial fitting or a contact lens check. Following this I also lend a hand choosing the most appropriate frame and lenses for customers before ordering their new glasses. Referrals take up the rest of my time along with writing the blog posts for the website. I also see patients for emergency appointments through the NIPEARs scheme for red eyes and when in the Lisburn Road Practice I am often found helping the consultants by taking some extra scans for the main hospital.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I enjoy the variety of my job, meeting new patients and managing all their individual clinical needs. I’m always learning, no two days are the same. I also travel between the different practices which makes the days fly. The most challenging aspect can be computer systems, they have the power to occasionally drive me mad!
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Definitely look into doing work experience and shadowing someone in the role you are interested in.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you like to do?
I think I would like to teach secondary school.
What is the one piece of advice you would give yourself on your first day?
Be confident, you’ve got this!
Describe your ideal day off?
Wrapped in a blanket on the sofa with endless cups of tea, a Christmas inspired candle and a good book.
Pizza or Chinese?
Chinese
Tipple or teetotal?
I do like the occasional gin.
Gym or swim?
Swim
Cinema or theatre?
Cinema
Car or bus?
Car
Shopping centre or city centre?
City Centre
Crisps or nuts?
Crisps
Summer or winter?
Winter, I love jumper season.
If you have a concern or would like to get in touch with Charlotte to arrange an appointment at Kingsbridge Opticians, please contact 028 9066 7030 or by filling out our Online Enquiry Form.