Specialist paediatric ophthalmic care
Charlene Whitmore achieves advanced qualification
Specialist paediatric ophthalmic care
Charlene Whitmore achieves advanced qualification
At Barracloughs, we are dedicated to providing the highest standards of eyecare for every member of the family, and today we are incredibly proud to celebrate a significant achievement within our team.
Charlene Whitmore, who many of our Eastbourne patients will know well, has successfully completed a specialist paediatric dispensing qualification. Having been a vital part of the Barracloughs family for 14 years - and a qualified Dispensing Optician (FBDO) since 2016 - this latest achievement further cements her expertise in an area she is truly passionate about: children’s vision.
Expertise in Children’s Eyecare
The year-long Paediatric Dispensing Course undertaken by Charlene comprised 10 in-depth units. These covered essential areas such as specialist care, refractive management, low vision, and the unique considerations required when fitting glasses for younger patients.
This advanced training has equipped Charlene with a deeper understanding of children’s facial development and frame safety. It ensures that we can offer the best possible advice when selecting eyewear for developing eyes.
“I’ve always believed that children deserve the very best start possible when it comes to vision correction,” - Charlene explains. “There are so many factors that can influence visual comfort and the way glasses fit, especially in younger children. Completing this course allows me to support families with confidence and ensure that every child receives safe, comfortable eyewear that fits to the highest standards.”
Enhancing Family Eye Health
Charlene’s expanded skillset is a fantastic asset for families across East Sussex. It allows us to offer enhanced support for complex prescriptions and specialist lenses, including Myopia Management. These innovative lenses can help slow the progression of childhood short-sightedness, reducing the long-term risk of eye health complications later in life.
“We’re incredibly proud of Charlene’s achievement. Her dedication to advancing her skills reflects our wider commitment to investing in clinical excellence across all seven of our practices. Children’s eyecare is a vital part of what we do, and Charlene’s specialist knowledge will be invaluable to the families we support.”
- David Cleworth, Director of Operations and Marketing
Barracloughs - Committed to Excellence
Since Frank Barraclough founded the business in St. Leonards in 1957, we have always aimed to serve our local communities with the absolute best possible care. Today, operating across Bexhill, Battle, Eastbourne, St. Leonards, Polegate, Seaford and Uckfield, we continue to invest in our team and advanced technology - such as OCT and Optomap - to bring hospital-grade eyecare closer to home.
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