DOs to support learning and development

Barrie welcomes (from left) Vinni, Jeanna and Laura to the team

Laura O’Hanlon and Jeanna Hilton, both registered dispensing opticians, have joined the Body Doctor’s learning and development team – alongside Vinni Virdee, a business coach and distance learning tutor.

“Laura, Jeanna and Vinni each bring a wealth of experience in education, coaching, clinical practice and business development,” said Ros Mussa, head of professional affairs at the company. “Their expertise will strengthen the support we provide to optical professionals and help practices integrate effective eyelid hygiene and dry eye management into everyday patient care.”

Ros continued: “As the demand for dry eye and ocular surface disease services continues to grow, investing in a highly skilled learning and development team ensures we can continue to support practitioners with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for their patients. We are delighted to welcome them to the team.”

Laura has more than 20 years of experience in practice, professional education and patient care. She has worked across independent and specialist practices, delivering training, coaching and educational programmes. She also delivers accredited CPD training for ABDO, facilitating workshops focused on clinical best practice, compliance and professional development. A graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University, with a BSc in Ophthalmic Dispensing and recipient of the highest examination pass mark, Laura will support practices across Scotland.

Barrie with dispensing optician, Laura

Jeanna has extensive experience in optical retail, leadership, training and practice management. Throughout her career, she has progressed through a variety of roles – from optical assistant to area manager and practice manager. In her new role, Jeanna will work with practitioners in the North West and Yorkshire regions.

Vinni Virdee brings over 27 years of experience in retail, healthcare and optics to her new role – and throughout her career has held senior leadership and consultancy positions within major organisations. A qualified neurolinguistic programming practitioner, business coach and distance learning tutor, Vinni will cover the South East of England.

The Body Doctor’s newly-promoted national sales manager for optics, Barrie Bell, welcomed the new team members to the company’s headquarters in Huddersfield earlier this month.

Barrie said: “Our learning and development team will support optical practices across the UK through expert training, education and ongoing in-practice support. We are excited to have Laura, Jeanna and Vinni on board and look forward to the expertise, enthusiasm and support they will bring to our customers and partners.”