Providing interesting case studies to back up your expertise as a dispensing optician is one way of catching the attention of the award judges and that was very much the case with Dispensing Optician of the Year category winner Phil Howlett from Planit Opticians in Colne.
In a very professional entry, he gave the example of dispensing to a patient with a prescription of -21.00/-19.00, but it was the next case study that really stood out. This was a detailed description of the work that went into creating a frame for a three-year-old child with hydrocephalus, for whom a conventional frame was not an option. Because of the patient’s abnormally shaped head, Howlett detailed how he adapted a frame, while endeavouring to make it look as mainstream as possible, a job that was appreciated by the child’s parents. He took an Oakley design and covered the joints in heat-shrink silicone tubing for protection, with the temples shaped and shortened as required. The urgent job was completed with robust UV-protecting polycarbonate lenses and rubber end tips with ear lock grips, as a head strap was not an option.
Skilled communicator
Howlett, who graduated from Bradford & Ilkley Community College with distinctions in 1998, described dealing with people as a natural part of the job and as such, pointed out that he had numerous clients who had followed him through his career. This ability to communicate was also highlighted in the entry through his training of colleagues, including pre-registration optometrists for their dispensing module in PQEs. One example was a DO who qualified in 2012 at Bradford, winning two awards including the Essilor prize.
Howlett also gave examples of designing bespoke frames for clients, from rimless shapes to dispensing hand-made wooden and buffalo horn designs. An example of a bespoke job was a frame for a graphic designer that took into account a small lump on his bridge that made regular frames uncomfortable to wear.
The entry also pointed out the importance of trying out product, particularly lenses so that the best options could be discussed, from anti-fatigue, occupational or pre-presbyopic lifestyle lenses to freeform and bespoke product.
This experience does not go unnoticed and the entry was also well supported with client feedback. An example was a patient from Sheffield who wrote: ‘Your large choice of modern and “bang up to date” frames, practical advice, combined with a patient but positive approach and the consideration of all my budgetary requirements is all handled with the professionalism and expertise that I feel all services should be blessed with. And this was all completed and delivered within just one day.’
Among the comments from the judges were: ‘He’s a lateral thinker with good ability to deliver what’s required’ and ‘He considers patient lifestyles and that’s important.’
Howlett also finds time to get involved in the local community, giving local schoolchildren the chance to visit the practice to find out about how their eyes work, about eating healthily and the importance of regular sight tests. He has also been involved in charity work from taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks for a local hospice, to donating frames and lenses to Vision Aid Overseas.
Speaking about his win, Howlett said he was delighted to be recognised by industry experts for such a prestigious accolade. ‘It is a huge achievement in my professional career, and I am extremely proud that some of the most influential people in the profession rate me so highly.’
He described the case studies as some interesting examples of what could be achieved by thinking outside the box. ‘Using your professional skills and experience really shows what can be achieved and how it can really make a difference to someone’s vision and life,’ he added.
Promotional value
Following the win the local press ran a story about the Optician Awards and his achievement, and the practice also used the logo on its letterheads, website, practice window, Facebook page, business cards and email signature. ‘The trophy takes pride position within the practice which is a great talking point.’
Winning has also helped attract new clients to the practice. ‘The award also gives potential clients confidence in our profession and using our services as an independent practice. It also has a knock-on effect and recommendation by word of mouth is invaluable.
‘I would certainly recommend anyone who is an expert in their field to put themselves forward by entering these awards. To be recognised for your hard work and dedication to your profession is a huge accolade in anyone’s career no matter what industry they are in, and one which I will certainly cherish for the rest of my career,’ added Howlett.