Getting to Know Barbara Watson Optometrist MSc FCOptom DCLP Prof Cert Glauc DipTP (IP)
Barbara attended the Optometry Department at Bradford University from 1979 to 1982 and gained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Ophthalmic Optics (Optometry).
She was fortunate to gain a Pre-Registration position in the Eye Dept of Leeds General Infirmary and passed her Pre- Qualifying Examinations on her first attempt registering with GOC on 05.08.1983 and became member of College of Optometrists at the same time.
In October 1987 she obtained her Fellowship of College of Optometrists by examination. Barbara was one of the first persons to obtain the fellowship by examination and this was quickly followed by a Master of Science degree in Optometry (Ophthalmic Optics) again obtained from Bradford University in 1988.
In Feb 1991 the Diploma in contact lens practice was achieved involving extensive work in the specialist field of contact lenses.
Barbara has worked for independent and multiple practices, gaining considerable experience in working with all groups of people. She enjoys the support of her husband John Watson and took a break from her career in 1993 and 1997 to have her two daughters Naomi and Hannah.
Since then she has worked for the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust at the hospitals in Dewsbury, Normanton and Wakefield carrying out glaucoma, diabetic screening and contact lens work.
From December 2003, Barbara established her own High Street practice, renovating an old building and starting from scratch with no patients. This quickly grew into a very successful practice having more than 8000 patients who were gained solely by word of mouth recommendation.
I carried out examinations in the practice and in the patient’s own home. Barbara sold the practice in February 2014 to open Eyecare Anywhere.
Barbara was a member of the Local Optical Committee in Wakefield for many years and in 2013 she was accredited in Peer Review Facilitation for her profession. Then in 2014 she was elected by her peers onto the Council of the College of Optometrists, the Professional, Scientific and Examining body for her profession in the UK. Also in 2014 she was nominated as a candidate in Optometrist of the Year.
She passed her Minor Eye Care Scheme (M.E.C.S.) exams in 2016, passed the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma in 2017 and the Independent Prescribing Exam in 2018
Barbara enjoys getting away from it all in her motor-home and loves visiting some of the beautiful countryside we have surrounding us in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Derbyshire. She loves walking, cycling and has a passion for cooking and trying new recipes.
