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Christopher Nixon Optometrists ticked all of the boxes that our judges were considering. The Harrogate-based practice boasts an impressive array of technology. The consulting rooms use automated refraction units and test charts. For imaging, the practice has the Optos Panoramic system alongside a high resolution fundus camera. For screening, they use a frequency doubling instrument to support their automated perimeter and are DVLA accredited. Suspect glaucoma patients may be assessed by a GDx and, partly driven by the practice's involvement with orthokeratology, they use topography and an aberrometer. The practice also uses the iProfiler OCT. After clinical assessment, the practice uses state-of-the-art dispensing equipment including an automated dispensing console alongside pupillometers.
It was, however, testimonials from both patients and other health professionals that really swayed the judges as it is quite obvious from Nixon's submission that all the instrumentation is utilised to the benefit of the patient. One case presented by Nixon concerned a patient in whom there had been detected very subtle disc changes over a period of time. In the words of the ophthalmologist: 'The optician has been extremely astute and thorough in his examination'. Another case concerned an 18-year-old who had suffered migraines over a period of 12 months. The practice had detected early papilloedema which warranted prompt referral and the subsequently diagnosed life-threatening sinus thrombosis was treated. Anterior OCT is used to modify IOP readings and in some cases evidence of narrow angles has been referred and resulted in prophylactic iridotomy.
As Christopher Nixon himself states: 'We continue to develop our technology capabilities to ensure our patients receive the very best eye care.'
Decades of development
Christopher Nixon started out in practice in 1981 at the tender age of 23. Always with an eye on modernisation, he introduced patient data collection using a Kalamazoo computer system that year, years ahead of many thinking about automated record systems. In 1985 he was joined in the practice by his father always known as 'J A N' freshly qualified at the age of 50 years. A cruel twist of fate saw the practice handed down to his son in 1997 after a stroke forced Nixon the elder into retirement. Subsequent years saw the gradual introduction of improved instrumentation. As Nixon put it recently: 'Just as Formula 1 machinery needs exceptional drivers, our equipment needs exceptional staff led by Giles Price and Martin Varley.'
With a nod to the need for networking with allied health professional to maintain good service to patients, Nixon explained: 'We continue to work with our more specialised colleagues in ophthalmology and this has now grown into an in-house arrangement with the Yorkshire Eye Hospital.'
Achieving the goal
Nixon is clearly pleased with this year's award. 'After being shortlisted for several years, we finally won this year. We made it!' He added: 'Is that the end? No. Since achieving our goal, staff motivation is higher than ever and demand for appointments is at its highest level. We continue to try and exceed patients' expectations of us.'
So, after 30 years, is Nixon as enthused as he was when he started? 'Absolutely yes! Plans for 2011 are under way for practice expansion including the addition of a fourth member of staff, my daughter Laura who is currently finishing her training at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. So three generations of optometrists, albeit not in the right order! That's what I call a good start.' ?