University Valli Opticians now officially ‘open for business’

The University’s Chancellor Sir George Buckley was invited to the special event where, after cutting the ribbon, he declared the new on-campus eye clinic University Valli Opticians as being officially ‘open for business’

THE University of Huddersfield’s Chancellor Sir George Buckley has officially opened a new on campus eye clinic launched in partnership with the independent opticians’ group Valli Opticians. By opening its doors to the public, the clinic offers optometry students an unparalleled experience in their clinical development.

“By working together to develop the field of optometry, University Valli Opticians will benefit the wider community, enhance the student experience as well as provide placement and employment experiences for our students.”

Professor John Siderov, Head of the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences.

University Valli Opticians features an extensive suite of state-of-the-art computerised equipment for eye examinations and specialist vision assessments including imaging equipment. Patients can choose from a range of contemporary spectacle frames and are provided with a full fitting and aftercare service.

Taking up the whole of the ground floor of the Joseph Priestley (East) Building, students develop key clinical skills aligned with modern optometric practice in pre-clinical teaching areas before moving to University Valli Opticians for their final year clinics.

Well established within the local community, Valli Opticians is a locally based independent chain and has 15 practices including branches in Meltham, Honley, Almondbury, Netherton, Lockwood and Slaithwaite.

Moin Valli, Managing Director of Valli, has pledged to bring forth a sense of care by building long lasting relationships and actively seeking out opportunities to engage with the community through local initiatives.

“We are delighted to collaborate in this innovative way with the University,” said Moin Valli.

“The clinic will shape the future of optometry students by giving them substantial real-life clinical and commercial experiences of working in a proper optometry practice and is a fantastic unique selling point of this particular BSc (Hons) Optometry course,” he added.

Professor John Siderov, Head of the University’s Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences within the School of Applied Sciences, will oversee the unique knowledge enterprise with Valli.

“By working together to develop the field of optometry, University Valli Opticians will benefit the wider community, enhance the student experience as well as provide placement and employment experiences for our students,” he said.

The optometry department, housed in dedicated, purpose-built accommodation as part of an £18.2 million development, actively recruits students onto the programme through UCAS and the University’s Science Extended Degree, subject to achieving the required grades.  This widening participation ensures those who might not have acquired the desired qualifications to join a BSc (Hons) science degree, can still be given the opportunity to become optometrists.

During his speech at the clinic’s official opening, the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan applauded Professor Siderov and his team on their endorsement from the General Optical Council.

“Approval is only granted once you have met the stringent requirements of the General Optical Council.  I would personally like to offer my congratulations on this wonderful achievement,” he said.

Representatives from industry leading eye care and equipment brands such as Hoya, Optos, Keeler, Haag-Streit, Nano Vista, Stepper and Body Doctor attended the official opening of University Valli Opticians which concluded with guided tours around the clinic’s state-of-the-art facilities.

To book an eye exam or contact lens assessment visit: hud.ac/nf9.