Getting into character with an actor optometrist

Juggling two careers is no drama for Ranj Nagra.Trained as both an optometrist and actor, he might be auditioning for a Hollywood blockbuster one day then referring for cataract the next.

However, Nagra seems equally inspired performing a show as he is an eye test – playing each of the parts with equal vigour. ‘We’re all in the communications business,’ he tells Optician. Moreover, many of the communication skills he has learnt are being applied in the optical industry and educational fields.

Without any further ado, let’s set the scene. Ranj Nagra qualified as an optometrist in 1989, completing his PQE in 1991 and starting as a mobile optometrist for Dollond & Atchison.