Alisdair Buchanan B.Sc., MCOptom., F.B.D.O., Dip.O.D. - Senior Consultant Optometrist

The prestigious UK Optician Awards conferred upon Alisdair the title of 'Optometrist of the Year', a sublime recognition that sets him apart among the 14,000 professionals in the UK optics field. The discerning panel of judges noted Alisdair's unwavering commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in detecting eye diseases and treating dry eye, as well as his relentless drive for comprehensive client care, thereby honouring him with this highly coveted accolade.

Alisdair's expertise in optics is far-reaching and unique. He is among an elite group of Optometrists with dual qualifications in Optometry and Dispensing Opticianry, a testimony to his deep-rooted passion and dedication to the field. His journey began in 1991 in Bradford, where he attained a diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing and established himself as a certified Dispensing Optician. In 1995, he was welcomed into the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, where he further refined his skills and garnered extensive experience in lens design, bespoke spectacle crafting, and precision fitting.

In 1996, Alisdair's enduring zeal for Optometry motivated him to dedicate three years to pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Optometry at the esteemed University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. His admission to the College of Optometrists in 1999 marked the beginning of an exciting journey that saw him accumulate a multitude of qualifications and invaluable practical experience.

Alisdair's experience spans several independent practices in Manchester and other locations, inspiring him to realise that a dearth of practices across the country offered patients comprehensive eye care coupled with superior spectacle technology. With a vision to bridge this gap, Alisdair acquired an established, well-respected practice in Snodland in 2000. With relentless perseverance, he transformed it into a leading UK centre of excellence for eye care and spectacle and lens technology.

Proving instrumental in pioneering tailored individual lens design, Alisdair's practice became the first in the UK in 1997 to provide Zeiss computerised measuring technology. This innovation dramatically reduced distortions and significantly enhanced the field of view through varifocal lenses.

In 2010, Alisdair emerged as one of the first Optometrists in Kent to achieve a qualification in OPwSI Ophthalmology. This notable accomplishment facilitated his utilisation of his skills and well-equipped practice by treating all patients referred by local GPs or Opticians under the NHS Community Ophthalmology clinics.

Alisdair's expertise extends to specialisation in glaucoma and dry eye care. Since 2014, he has been a prominent lecturer at Moorfields Eye Hospital's Dry Eye seminars, further augmenting his respected position in Optometry.