Macular Society Optometrist of the Year 2013 nominee - Andy Molsom - July 2013

 

Molsom Optomotrists are delighted to announce that Andy Molson has been nominated as Macular Society Optomotrist of the Year. We are further delighted to bring you the details of the nomination, below:

An optometrist from Spalding has been nominated for a national award after exceptional patient praise.

Andy Molsom, of Molsom Optometrists, is in the running for the ‘Optometrist of the year’ award as p art of the Macular Society’s Awards for Excellence. The nomination recognises his exceptionally good practice in the care of people with macular degeneration .

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. More people are affected as our population ages.

‘Optometrist or optician of the year’ is open to practitioners working in any environment, such as a high street business, hospital or a local society who provide outstanding services to people with macular disease.

In nominations for Mr Molsom he is described as efficient, welcoming, approachable and supportive.

Mr Molsom said: "It’s a great honour that a patient has thought me worthy for this award.

"As independent practices we always do our very best for all our patients, irrespective of the health of their eyes. People with sight problems however need extra care and time to counsel them appropriately. Without an excellent team of staff behind me, we couldn’t deliver the exceptional service we strive for. Our clinical services are our main focus, indeed a recent independent survey showed that 99% of our patients rate our service as either good or excellent.

"To me, going to work is both a privilege and a pleasure. I say that because I realise how lucky I am to be working in a great profession that cares and helps people. I’m also fortunate enough to consider my work colleagues as friends where we all share common objectives. Having been established for so long, you also develop a friendship with patients and their families, and it’s a pleasure to see them at regular intervals.

"For me a significant factor in all we do is that we are an ‘independent’ business where we can determine how we deliver the kind of care I referred to rather than being dictated to by a head office. Budgets permitting we can invest in the very latest technology to ensure we can offer patients the best in eye care and eye wear.

"I just want to thank my patients and my staff, especially my sister who manages and is a co-director of the Donington practice, for their commitment over the years. It is a great privilege to serve local people; improving their eyesight so that they can enjoy life to the full. None of this would be possible without the great team that I work with.

"Also there have been a few mentors in my professional life, all of which have helped me become the Optometrist I am today, from my Supervisor in my first year in practice, to my business partner for 10 years, and now the Sight Care organisation that champions Independent Optometry, and offer excellent support to small local community practices such as mine in such difficult economic times."

Mr Molsom’s nomination will now be handed over to the judges, who will decide on the overall winners and present them with their awards at the Society’s annual London conference on 28 September.

‘Optometrist or optician of the year’ is one of four awards presented by the charity. There are also honours for ‘Clinical service of the year’, ‘ Support and community rehabilitation professional of the year’ and the ‘Chairman’s award for volunteering.’

Helen Jackman , Chief Executive of the Macular Society, said: "It is clear form his nomination that Andy Molsom works hard to improve the lives of people affected by macular degeneration, with excellence in advice and information. We are extremely grateful for his efforts in Spalding."

The Macular Society is the national charity for anyone affected by central vision loss. We provide free information and support to improve lives today and we fund research so that one day we can overcome macular disease.

For information, advice or support concerning macular disease, you contact the Macular Society’s helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org, or alternatively contact us for an appointment and gain our expert advise and guidance.