Denise Voon is a clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists and a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity awareness in healthcare. Her career journey began with a foundation in optometry, guided by a deep-rooted commitment to patient care, staff well-being, and innovative service delivery. Having worked extensively in hospital settings and with regulatory bodies, Denise combines hands-on clinical experience with strategic oversight to improve eye health and shape inclusive care practices.
“Diversity of thought and perspective within healthcare doesn’t just strengthen our services — it transforms the patient and clinician experience.”
Discovering optometry one lens at a time
Optometry wasn’t a planned career path; my choice of A-levels didn’t indicate a clear direction. But as a ‘Saturday girl’ in an optometry practice and watching my father manage his own serious eye issues, including retinal detachments, I began to see a career in optometry. I pursued my degree at City University, later completing my pre-registration year at the same practice where I’d worked. Following that experience, I stayed on to build my clinical skills and eventually branched out to work in independent practices and local hospitals.
Finding a new focus in hospital optometry and specialised care
Over time, I moved more fully into hospital optometry. Initially, I performed core optometry roles — working with children, those with visual impairments, and complex contact lenses. My interest in specialisation led me to work with macular degeneration and diabetic screening services, obtaining higher qualifications that allowed me to provide more specialised care. It’s a field where I learned that truly effective patient care goes beyond individual interactions; it requires a dedicated team, compassionate communication, and a continuous push for innovation in patient services.
Leading with heart and the value of team support
While working at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust’s Eye Department, I had the chance to explore leadership roles. Becoming deputy head brought an added responsibility for staff morale and team cohesion. I’ve always believed that a supportive work environment is fundamental to good clinical care. My goal was to make the department a space where staff felt empowered and appreciated because I knew that a positive work culture directly impacts patient outcomes. That’s something I took very seriously and continue to advocate for in my current role.
New perspectives
I later joined the General Optical Council as an optometric advisor. This role introduced me to regulatory work, where I assessed cases in which patients had filed complaints against optometrists. It was a pivotal experience in which I could view healthcare from a different angle — reviewing cases, evaluating professional conduct, and understanding the complexities of patient complaints. This role expanded my perspective on the importance of transparent, patient-focused practices in optometry.
Moving into my current role at the College of Optometrists allowed me to bring my passion for innovation and inclusivity to the national stage. From helping shape policy to collaborating with the House of Lords, I have been part of campaigns on issues like headlight glare and children’s vision. This work aims to elevate public awareness around eye health while also advocating for improvements that help professionals better serve the community.
My neurodiversity journey: When life becomes your teacher
A personal passion of mine is advocating for neurodiverse individuals. This interest arose from my experience as a mother; my youngest son is autistic, specifically with a profile called pathological demand avoidance. Raising him has given me unique insights into the challenges neurodiverse people face, from education to social acceptance. Every milestone, from his diagnosis to securing appropriate support in school, involved obstacles and required resilience. This experience has deepened my commitment to making healthcare —and specifically optometry — more accessible and responsive to the needs of neurodiverse patients.
Working with children, particularly those with additional needs, has become an incredibly fulfilling part of my career. In my weekly work at Oxford Eye Hospital, I encounter young patients with various conditions, including autism and other genetic disorders. It’s rewarding to see how simple adaptations can make eye care more approachable and less stressful for them.
Diverse perspectives make healthcare stronger
Diversity of thought and representation in healthcare is vital. Not only does it shape the patient experience by tailoring care to meet diverse needs, but it also creates a richer environment within our profession. For instance, understanding that eye conditions can vary across gender and ethnicity allows us to offer more informed and personalised care.
Diversity also extends to inclusion within the optometry profession itself. Recognising the unique needs of female professionals and offering the flexibility to accommodate various life stages — such as caregiving or childcare — is essential for retaining talented individuals in our field. Optometry is constantly evolving, and retaining diverse perspectives will drive the innovation we need to adopt emerging technologies and improve patient care.
Creating inclusive spaces begins with listening
Inclusivity starts early, particularly in education. For neurodiverse children, understanding individual needs is key. Working closely with families and implementing early interventions can transform a child’s educational experience. But it’s not without challenges. The system is often under-resourced, leaving parents in a constant struggle for basic support, which I’ve experienced firsthand. Campaigning for educational reforms that better address neurodiversity is one of the best ways to create lasting change.
In the workplace, strides have been made, with companies like Microsoft implementing inclusive hiring practices for neurodiverse employees. For smaller organisations, reasonable adjustments can be as simple as open discussions with employees to understand what will help them thrive. Awareness and dialogue are essential for creating workspaces that support and empower individuals with diverse needs.
Connecting through shared purpose
The Womanthology community offers so many ways to engage, from online resources to podcasts and forums, making it accessible to people with varying preferences. Personally, I find listening to podcasts an excellent way to stay connected while balancing my responsibilities. Being part of a community with shared goals makes all the difference. It’s not just about receiving support but also about contributing to a culture of mutual encouragement and shared purpose.
Looking ahead
I’m excited about the new possibilities in optometry and the innovations on the horizon. Technological advancements promise earlier detection and more accurate diagnoses for eye diseases, which could transform patient care. But beyond technology, I’m looking forward to seeing how inclusivity and diversity will continue to shape our profession. By fostering a supportive environment, we can retain the best talent, encourage innovation, and ultimately provide better patient care. There’s so much to look forward to, both in my personal life as a mother watching my children grow and in my professional journey as part of a dynamic, evolving field.
