Trustee Profile – Julie Dowdney, Vice-Chair

What’s the best thing about being an orthoptist? 

Clinically taking a nervous new patient and parents, investigating, diagnosing and treating – and watching the response to treatment.

What are your goals for the future?

To finish my term as Vice Chair next June, and to have successfully completed getting the Orthoptic apprenticeship approved and running. Out of work, I’m starting agility training with my mad collie!

How did you get started volunteering with BIOS?

I wanted to be involved and influence Orthoptics. I was a Head and took over the Heads group when Jean Voller stood down. One thing led to another, and I agreed to stand for Vice Chair to support Veronica Greenwood – and 5 years later here I am, coasting down (not!) to June 2024.

What is your proudest achievement in the role?

Seeing Exemptions approved and implemented, and incorporated into the core training.

What’s the best thing about volunteering for BIOS?

We are a small profession, but one with clear standards and the ability to bat above our weight. I have met all sorts of members and dealt with all sorts of issues, that have given me the opportunity to learn, as well as improved core knowledge about running a company, a charity and a Trade Union.

People are put off volunteering because of their workloads but how have you made this work?

My current role is a seconded one, however it can take as many hours as you are prepared to give! I think that knowing that you are making a difference is essential, having supportive co-workers and family also help. I find that busy people are the best people to ask if you need something done!

What didn’t you know about BIOS before you started volunteering?

How so much is done with so little paid for time – 3 days per week for the Chair and Vice Chair, plus TU support and we run a professional body! Couldn’t do this without the volunteer effort.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the orthoptic profession?

Training enough Orthoptists to do the core workload AND take on advanced roles – the apprentice route will help by attracting a different cohort of students.

Why is BIOS important?

Without a professional body, there wouldn’t be any training post-grad, and no Trade Union, and Orthoptics would disappear, absorbed into a BV module by optometrists. If you love your job, join a CAG, volunteer for career events, wave the flag within your Trust, or better still become a Trustee!

Interested in volunteering? 

Check out our current vacancies here, and look out for future opportunities in our e-zines.

2023-11-08T10:05:04+01:00