Dr Derek Dunstone

Graduated from The City University, London in 1984 with and Honours degree (2:1) in Optometry & Visual Science. Qualified with College of Optometrists in 1985 following Pre-Registration year at Colchester Hospital. Registered with General Optical Council; number 01-11974. Awarded the Degree of Doctor of Optometry in July 2014 from Aston University, having successfully completed a programme of research and post-graduate learning.

Post graduate Certificates achieved from The City University London in Visual Impairment (2003) and Glaucoma Shared Care (2004). Post graduate Certificates achieved from Aston University: Research Methods (Jan 2009), Glaucoma (July 2009), Advanced Contact Lenses (Feb 2010), Retinal and Macular Disorders (Feb 2011), Advanced Ophthalmic Techniques (July 2012) and Refractive Surgery (February 2013). Accredited via Cardiff University (2011 online course and practical clinical examination) as an Enhanced Service Provider (ESP) for Suffolk NHS.

Wide variety of interests and posts in optometry, which presently include:

Examiner and Assessor for College of Optometrists - entails examining Pre-registration optometry graduates in their final college examinations and Assessing Trainees in their practices (since 1996). Also Examination Question Writing & Editing - member of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination Development Group for the College (Since 2005).

Examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists - entails examining ophthalmologists in the Refraction Practical section.

Teaching - Optics and refraction tuition given to Opthalmologists, and training on a variety of subjects to Pre-Registration and qualified Optometrists. Courses organised and held in the practice since 1999; click here for information. One week courses delivered at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta during October 2011, October 2016 & May 2022 with lectures including Advanced Retinoscopy techniques, Low Vision services, Spectacle Prescribing and Paediatric Refraction. Numerous other lectures delivered on subjects including optometric examination techniques and referrals, including at the International Conference Centre (Birmingham) in October 2015. Presentation of research findings European Academy of Optometry and Optics, Prague May 2011 and Suffolk LOC Optometry lecture, October 2013. Audio lecture with slides on subject of Direct Referral for Cataract Surgery prepared Oct 2016. Derek was keynote speaker at University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) on 16 November 2016. Derek continues to regularly carry out individual and small group teaching sessions and has assisted numerous ophthalmologists and pre-registration optometrists.

Research/Publications

Current research investigating use of Artificial Intelligence (Orange Data Mining) to assist ocular image identification, as well as practice based investigation into accuracy of refraction techniques.

Established the first optometry referral pathway for frail patients at risk of falling, Sept 2017. Published in Optometry Today , August 2018, Volume 58:08 p75-78 and additional details can be found via Suffolk LOC website (See Public Health section).

Completed an audit of Suffolk Optometrists Referrals in June 2015, a summary of which was published; Optometry Today, June 13 2015, p35-37. Authored a referral guidance for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy May 2019, which can be found here (under 'Miscellaneous')

Retinoscopy research completed research in June 2014 as part of the Ophthalmic Doctorate Programme via Aston University. This research involved a National and International survey of the Retinoscopy habits of optometrists and a clinical trial comparing accuracy of differing designs of retinoscopes. Published in Optometry in Practice, Vol 12, Issue 2, June 2013, 'Survey of habits and attitudes to retinoscopy by optometrists in the UK'. The thesis abstract and link to the full thesis can be found here.

Peer Support volunteer - providing confidential telephone support to fellow optometrists as part of the Association of Optometrists Peer Support Line (Since inception, May 2017)

Charity work - Chair of Suffolk Lullaby Trust - Working with multidisciplinary groups regarding infant care issues, raising money to fund research and provide support to bereaved parents. Providing telephone support as befriender for the Lulluby Trust.

After 30 years examining eyes in Hadleigh - Derek is now devoting more time to teaching, practice based research, peer support and work for the College of Optometrists - click here for further information

Previous posts and post-graduation qualifications:

Employed in private practice in Ipswich (for 5 years) prior to purchasing the Hadleigh business in 1991.

Senior Optometrist, The Ipswich Hospital - attendance in Eye Clinic on a weekly basis between 1990 - 2007. Also optometry care to children in local special schools; Thomas Wolsey, Belstead and Heathside.

Optometric Adviser for Suffolk PCTs- 2000-2004.

Visiting Lecturer, City University, London- teaching/supervising Optmetric students in Contact Lens and General Clinics 2005-2006.

Suffolk Local Optometric Committee (LOC) - active member on committee 1990-2020.

Associate Clinical Advisor to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman - providing expert professional advice regarding optometric issues raised in NHS complaints (Feb 2010- Aug 2021).

Enhanced Service Provider (ESP) for Suffolk NHS - accepting referrals from optometrists and GP's across the county. This involves patients with potential eye problems being referred to us for Referral Refinement ie making the decision whether an eye clinic is required and, if so, with what degree of urgency. (2009-2020)

Hobbbies include scriptwriting & playing the trumpet....

Member of Jazz Galore & Selion jazz bands. Click here to see images of recent charity event; password Hadleigh.