Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
My Gap Year
Timeline
Generic

Mark Hales

Braunton,Devon

Summary

Optometry Professional experienced in utilising optometric instruments, conducting Optomap imaging, and fitting contact lenses. Achieved effective cataract assessments and enhanced patient understanding through dedicated education efforts. Committed to ongoing professional development and driven to improve patient care and practice expansion.

Overview

48
48
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Independent Optometrist

Shore Sight Opticians
Braunton, Devon
2008.07 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive patient eye examinations to ensure optimal visual health.
  • Prescribed corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids to remedy problems with vision.
  • Facilitated patient referrals to specialised healthcare providers for advanced treatment options.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary health teams to provide care continuity.
  • Engaged with latest research in ophthalmology to enhance clinical practice.

Locum Optometrist

Boots Opticians, Eyewear Creations Opticians
Barnstaple and South West England
2003.12 - 2020.03
  • Enhanced vision quality with the prescription of appropriate optical aids.
  • Attended seminars and workshops on latest optometric trends, applying updated practices to enhance service delivery.
  • Engaged in continuous professional development, expanding knowledge and skills to improve patient care.
  • Provided excellent customer service, contributing to high levels of patient satisfaction.

Senior Optometrist

Boots Opticians
Barnstaple, Devon
2003.01 - 2003.04
  • Performed patient eye examination services aligned with consistently high clinical care standards.
  • Customised optometric services to meet individual patient needs, enhancing patient satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with on-site staff to optimise clinic operations and improve client flow.
  • Updated knowledge of industry advancements through ongoing professional development.

Senior Optometrist

Boots Opticians
Barnstaple, Devon
1996.03 - 2001.12
  • Performed diagnostic tests to evaluate ocular health and determine severity of vision problems and abnormalities.
  • Improved patient satisfaction through delivery of comprehensive eye care services.
  • Referred patients to other health professionals for additional or specialised medical treatment.
  • Collaborated with on-site staff to optimise clinic operations and enhance client flow.
  • Updated knowledge of industry advancements via continued professional development activities.

Optometric Services Manager

Boots Opticians
Exeter, Devon
1993.08 - 1996.03
  • Developed a comprehensive induction programme for new optometrists to ensure they provided excellent patient care and that they met patient needs as well, if not better, than anywhere else
  • Identified training needs and opportunities for Continued Professional Development (CPD) through regular meetings and development visits.
  • Led team meetings to establish performance goals and regularly review progress towards achieving them.
  • Fostered strong client relationships by delivering exceptional customer service.
  • Provided a customer services function, dealing with all customer services concerns over the South West area for the company

Consultant Optometrist

Boots Opticians
Taunton, Somerset
1992.11 - 1993.08
  • Conducted comprehensive eye examinations to ensure optimal patient care and adherence to clinical standards.
  • Executed diagnostic tests to assess ocular health and identify severity of vision issues, facilitating timely interventions.
  • Provided patient education on optical health and preventive measures to enhance awareness and promote proactive health management.
  • Referred patients to other health professionals for additional or specialised medical treatment.

Mobile Optometrist

Dollond & Aitchison Opticians
Exeter, Devon
1991.09 - 1992.11
  • Delivered optometric services, including eye examinations and contact lens fittings, across various locations in South West England to enhance patient access to care.
  • Corrected vision defects through detailed contact lens consultations and customised prescription evaluations, ensuring optimal vision correction.
  • Executed comprehensive visual field assessments and analysis within established perimeters.
  • Educated patients on eye care practices, increasing their awareness and understanding of ocular health.
  • Kept abreast with latest research in ophthalmology for continuous professional development.

Pre-registration Optometrist

Dollond & Aitchison Opticians
Exeter, Devon
1990.08 - 1991.09
  • Assisted in optical clinics, supervised by a registered Optometrist, performing all aspects of a Registered Optometrist role.
  • Followed the Dollond & Aitchison Pre-registration programme which enables Graduate Optometrists to become Registered optometrists, allowing them to practice unsupervised.
  • Collaborated with on-site staff to enhance clinic operations and optimise patient flow.
  • Facilitated referrals for patients to other health professionals for specialised medical treatment.

Retail Shop Manager

Chapter Surfboards
Braunton, Devon
1984.05 - 1985.09
  • Managed day-to-day retail operations smoothly, contributing to a positive shopping atmosphere for customers.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation.
  • Supervised inventory management to minimise stock wastage and maximise availability.
  • Secured repeat business through product knowledge and tailored advice.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring integrity of financial records.

Leisure Centre Attendant/Supervisor

Manchester City Council
Manchester, Greater Manchester
1982.01 - 1984.05
  • Oversaw daily operations in gymnasium, contributing to positive user experience.
  • Maintained sports equipment, ensuring safety for all users.
  • Provided first aid assistance, ensuring prompt response in emergency situations.
  • Collaborated with staff for effective delivery of sports programmes, enhancing participant engagement.
  • Coordinated with coaches to schedule practice sessions, maximising resource utilisation.
  • Actively supported athletes during training sessions, contributing to their skill development.

Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

PGL
Ross on Wye, Herefordshire
1981.05 - 1981.11
  • Facilitated learning experiences with hands-on, outdoor activities.
  • Fostered team spirit by leading engaging group activities in outdoor settings, enhancing collaboration among participants.
  • Managed group dynamics effectively during challenging situations, maintaining morale and cooperation amongst participants.
  • Assisted participants in overcoming fears, helping build confidence and resilience.
  • Promoted environmental awareness through interactive outdoor education sessions, encouraging sustainable practices among participants.
  • Adhered strictly to industry standards regarding health and safety regulations during all activities.
  • Maintained and inspected equipment, ensuring safety and optimal performance for all activities.

Motor Claims Negotiator

Pegasus Motor @ Lloyds
London, Greater London
1979.11 - 1981.05
  • Negotiated favourable settlements for policyholders in contentious cases.
  • Resolved claims disputes promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Resolved numerous claim disputes, promoting a fair outcome for all parties involved.
  • Liaised with legal teams to streamline claim settlements and expedite resolutions.
  • Handled sensitive client information, ensuring confidentiality and trust with clients.

Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

PGL
Ross on Wye, Herefordshire
1979.03 - 1979.11
  • Led guided tours around natural landscapes, offering educational insights along the journey.
  • Facilitated enriching learning experiences through hands-on outdoor activities, encouraging skill development and active participation.
  • Assisted participants in overcoming fears, helping build confidence and resilience.
  • Promoted environmental awareness through engaging outdoor education sessions, inspiring participants to adopt sustainable practices.
  • Fostered team spirit by leading collaborative group activities in diverse outdoor settings, enhancing group cohesion.
  • Adhered strictly to industry standards regarding health and safety regulations during all activities.
  • Maintained equipment to ensure safety and longevity of use.

Trainee Draughtsman

Vosper Thorneycroft
Portsmouth, Hampshire
1977.10 - 1979.03

Participated in a Hull Draughtsman apprenticeship programme, receiving comprehensive training in draughtsmanship while gaining practical experience in multiple workshops to learn the production processes for large marine craft.

Education

MCOptom - Optometry

College of Optometrists
London, England
1990.06 - 1991.09

BSc(Hons) - Optometry

UMIST University of Manchester
Manchester
1987.09 - 1990.06

Special Paper - Physics

Exeter College
Exeter
1985.09 - 1987.06

A-Levels - Various

Exeter College
Exeter
1985.09 - 1987.06

A/O level - Electricity and Electronics

Exeter College
Exeter
1985.09 - 1987.06

O-Level - Chemistry

Exeter College
Exeter
1985.09 - 1987.06

O-Levels - Maths B, Physics B, Woodwork B, Technical Drawing B, French C

Royal Hospital School
Holbrook, Suffolk, England
1972.09 - 1977.07

Skills

  • Optometric instruments usage
  • Optomap imaging proficiency
  • Contact lens fitting expertise
  • Cataract assessment skills
  • Patient education
  • Professional development enthusiasm
  • Commercial awareness
  • Customer service excellence

Languages

English
Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Intermediate

Affiliations

  • I am a keen sportsman and enjoy surfing, cycling and keep fit. I am a competitive Cross-Country runner. I play the piano and enjoy, theatre, cinema, good music and eating out. i also enjoy foreign travel.

My Gap Year

In 2002, I took a Gap year away from the consulting room and travelled around the world, visiting the USA, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, including the Inca trail, FIji, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand. 

In 2003, I had a road traffic accident which meant nine months off work and gave me opportunity to spend more time at home. 

My partner, Alicia, is Spanish and we have two children, Carlos, who is 14 and Isabel, who is 11.

When not at work, I love spending time with the family, playing sport and travelling, mostly to the Iberian peninsula these days.

Timeline

Independent Optometrist

Shore Sight Opticians
2008.07 - Current

Locum Optometrist

Boots Opticians, Eyewear Creations Opticians
2003.12 - 2020.03

Senior Optometrist

Boots Opticians
2003.01 - 2003.04

Senior Optometrist

Boots Opticians
1996.03 - 2001.12

Optometric Services Manager

Boots Opticians
1993.08 - 1996.03

Consultant Optometrist

Boots Opticians
1992.11 - 1993.08

Mobile Optometrist

Dollond & Aitchison Opticians
1991.09 - 1992.11

Pre-registration Optometrist

Dollond & Aitchison Opticians
1990.08 - 1991.09

MCOptom - Optometry

College of Optometrists
1990.06 - 1991.09

BSc(Hons) - Optometry

UMIST University of Manchester
1987.09 - 1990.06

Special Paper - Physics

Exeter College
1985.09 - 1987.06

A-Levels - Various

Exeter College
1985.09 - 1987.06

A/O level - Electricity and Electronics

Exeter College
1985.09 - 1987.06

O-Level - Chemistry

Exeter College
1985.09 - 1987.06

Retail Shop Manager

Chapter Surfboards
1984.05 - 1985.09

Leisure Centre Attendant/Supervisor

Manchester City Council
1982.01 - 1984.05

Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

PGL
1981.05 - 1981.11

Motor Claims Negotiator

Pegasus Motor @ Lloyds
1979.11 - 1981.05

Outdoor Pursuits Instructor

PGL
1979.03 - 1979.11

Trainee Draughtsman

Vosper Thorneycroft
1977.10 - 1979.03

O-Levels - Maths B, Physics B, Woodwork B, Technical Drawing B, French C

Royal Hospital School
1972.09 - 1977.07
Mark Hales