Derek Dunstone, Doctor of Optometry
Qualifications
Graduated from The City University, London in 1984 with and Honours degree (2:1) in Optometry & Visual Science. Qualified with College of Optometrists in 1985 following Pre-Registration year at Colchester Hospital.
Registered with General Optical Council; number 01-11974.
Awarded the Degree of Doctor of Optometry in 2014 from Aston University, having successfully completed a programme of research and post-graduate learning.
Post graduate Certificates achieved from The City University London:
- Visual Impairment, &
- Glaucoma Shared Care (2004).
Post graduate Certificates achieved from Aston University:
- Research Methods,
- Glaucoma,
- Advanced Contact Lenses,
- Retinal and Macular Disorders,
- Advanced Ophthalmic Techniques, &
- Refractive Surgery.
Accredited via Cardiff University (2011) as an Enhanced Service Provider (ESP) for Suffolk NHS.
Wide variety of interests and posts in optometry, which presently include:
Examiner and Assessor for College of Optometrists – examining Pre-registration optometry graduates in their final college examinations and Assessing Trainees in their practices (since 1996). Also Examination Question Writing & Editing – member of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination Development Group for the College (Since 2005).
Teaching
Optics and refraction tuition delivered to Opthalmologists, and training on a variety of subjects to Pre-Registration and qualified Optometrists. Courses organised and held in the practice since 1999; click here for information.
One week courses delivered at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta during 2011, 2016, 2022 & 2025 with lectures including:
- Advanced Retinoscopy techniques,
- Low Vision services,
- Spectacle Prescribing, &
- Paediatric Refraction.
Numerous other lectures delivered on subjects including optometric examination techniques and referrals, including:
- International Conference Centre (Birmingham) 2015,
- Presentation of research findings European Academy of Optometry and Optics, Prague, 2011, &
- Suffolk LOC Optometry lecture 2013,
- Audio lecture with slides on subject of Direct Referral for Cataract Surgery prepared 2016,
- Keynote speaker at University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) 2016,
- Continues to regularly carry out individual and small group teaching sessions and has assisted numerous ophthalmologists, pre-registration optometrists & orthoptists.
Research/Publications
-
Current research investigating use of Artificial Intelligence (CoPilot with Jupyter Notebook) to assist ocular image identification, as well as practice based investigation into accuracy of refraction techniques. Click here to view latest research.
-
Established the first optometry referral pathway for frail patients at risk of falling, Sept 2017. Published in Optometry Today , August 2018, Volume 58:08 p75-78 and additional details can be found here.
-
Completed an audit of Suffolk Optometrists Referrals 2015, a summary of which was published; Optometry Today, June 13 2015, p35-37.
-
Authored a referral guidance for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy 2019, which can be found here.
-
Retinoscopy research completed research in 2014 as part of the Ophthalmic Doctorate Programme via Aston University. This research involved a National and International survey of the Retinoscopy habits of optometrists and a clinical trial comparing accuracy of differing designs of retinoscopes. Published in Optometry in Practice, Vol 12, Issue 2, June 2013, ‘Survey of habits and attitudes to retinoscopy by optometrists in the UK’. The thesis abstract and link to the full thesis can be found here.
Peer Support volunteer
Providing confidential telephone support to optometrists as part of the Association of Optometrists Peer Support Line (Since 2017)
Charity work
Providing telephone support as befriender for the Lulluby Trust.
After 30 years examining eyes in Hadleigh…
Derek is now devoting more time to teaching, research, peer support and family.
Previous posts
- Employed in private practice in Ipswich (for 5 years) prior to purchasing the Hadleigh business in 1991,
- Senior Optometrist, The Ipswich Hospital – attendance in Eye Clinic on a weekly basis, 1990 – 2007. Also optometry care to children in local special schools; Thomas Wolsey, Belstead and Heathside.
- Optometric Adviser for Suffolk PCTs – 2000-2004.
- Visiting Lecturer, City University, London- teaching/supervising Optometric students in Contact Lens and General Clinics 2005-2006.
- Suffolk Local Optometric Committee (LOC) – active member on committee 1990-2020.
- Associate Clinical Advisor to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman – providing expert professional advice regarding optometric issues raised in NHS complaints (2010-2021).
- Enhanced Service Provider (ESP) for Suffolk NHS – accepting referrals from optometrists and GP’s across the county. This involves patients with potential eye problems being referred to us for Referral Refinement ie making the decision whether an eye clinic is required and, if so, with what degree of urgency. (2009-2020)
- Examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists – entailed examining ophthalmologists in the Refraction Practical section, in London, Birmingham & Cairo. (2019-2025)
- Committee member and subsequent Chair of Suffolk Lullaby Trust – Working with multidisciplinary groups regarding infant care issues, raising money to fund research and provide support to bereaved parents. (2000-2024)
Hobbbies include scriptwriting & playing the trumpet….
Member of Jazz Galore & Selion jazz bands. Click here to see images of recent charity event; password Hadleigh.
Contact Derek if you would like a jazz band for your event.