Meet the Team – Steve Roberts

1 October 2024

 

Helping patients to achieve the best possible vision and problem solving is what LOCSU’s newest advancement lead, Steve Roberts, likes most about being a dispensing optician.

Steve began his working life in retail as a shoe shop manager: “After being a retail manager I wanted to use those skills in a way I could help others, and being a dispensing optician was a perfect solution.”

Originally from London, Steve qualified at City and Islington over 20 years ago. After qualifying, he worked at a small London-based group of opticians, before moving to Hertfordshire. Since then, he has worked at a busy, independent practice for the last 17 years.

“In my role, I love helping patients to get the vision possible and enjoy delivering high levels of patient care. I also look after the IT for the practice.”

It was through this keen interest in IT that Steve initially got involved with his LOC.

“I first got involved with my LOC in 2019, providing support with IT. Very quickly I was interested in the work LOCs do, the difference they make and how the LOC can help improve care for patients. Over the years, I’ve become more involved and am now Vice-Chair of Hertfordshire LOC.”

“I work with an excellent, engaged committee with a wide range of experience and talents. In my role as vice-chair, I look after the communications, website, constitution and electoral matters. I love helping practitioners and working with other stakeholders to improve patient’s healthcare across the county.”

In his free time, Steve enjoys spending time with his long-term partner, who he considers his inspiration and rock. He also enjoys long walks and bike rides in his local country park, Lee Valley, as well as providing IT support for friends and family.

“I also love a beach holiday, but who doesn’t!”

Finally, when asked about the best piece of advice he’s ever been given, he said: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”