Boots optician in Ealing is in with chance of winning a national award

An optician in Ealing has been nominated for a national award after receiving exceptional from patients.

Tracey Gauld, of Boot Opticians in New Broadway, is in the running to be named Optometrist of the Year as part of the Macular Disease Society 25th Anniversary Awards for Excellence.

The nomination recognises her hard work in providing advice and information to patients affected by macular disease.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK. There are many other forms of macular disease, including juvenile macular dystrophies.

Ms Gauld has worked as an optometrist for Boots Opticians, primarily in Ealing, for 20 years.

She said: “I feel very honoured to be nominated for this award. With an ageing population optometrists are seeing an increasing number of patients with macular disease. Optometrists have an important role to play in detection, advice and referral, and the Macular Disease Society offers patients an extensive amount of information and ongoing support to those affected.

“I have worked as an optometrist for 25 years and have always loved the opportunity to develop a relationship with patients and offer advice on how we can best help them with their visual needs. An optometrist's day can involve a lot of variety with patients of different ages and different requirements. It is rewarding whether you're supplying a pair of spectacles to a child that you know will make a difference to their school progress or advising someone that they have a problem with the health of their eyes, reassuring them that treatment is available and initiating the referral process. Like all optometrists I try to give every patient my best.”

Ms Gauld’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 22 September.

Helen Jackman, Chief Executive of the Macular Disease Society, said: “Tracey Gauld works hard to improve the lives of people affected by macular disease, with excellence in advice and information. We are extremely grateful for her efforts in Ealing.”

The Macular Disease Society was set up 25 years ago to support people with the condition, offering information, advice and funding research to find a cure. The charity’s annual awards are designed to recognise the wonderful work of everyone who helps the Society fulfil its goal, of building the confidence and independence of people with macular disease.

16th July 2012