James Brawn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT JAMES BRAWN

I am an optometrist with a significant interest in education and training, paediatric eye care, and clinical leadership. My passion for education and training led to me working as an assessor for the College of Optometrists, clinic supervisor at Cardiff University, and as a clinical teacher for WOPEC. I completed an MSc in Medical Education through Swansea University, and am one of a small number of optometrists to hold membership of the Academy of Medical Educators.I am passionate about healthcare leadership, and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Eye Care Governance. During my time as a medical student, I served on several committees with the British Medical Association, and completed their leadership training. I also served on the AOP Council as representative for Wales. In 2025 I became the first optometrist to receive Fellowship of the Healthcare Leadership Academy. From September, I will be undertaking the Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellowship with Health Education and Improvement Wales.I have significant research experience having completed a Master of Philosophy in Vision Science and Psychology at Cardiff University. I undertook novel research in conjunction with the Cardiff Huntington\'s Disease Centre. I also worked as a research optometrist at the University Hospital of Wales and was involved with clinical trials for new Anti-VEGF treatments. I currently work as a locum optometrist in South Wales providing WGOS services in the community, and hold the College of Optometrists Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care. In September 2025 I will be returning to Cardiff University to undertake the prerequisite modules to achieve the College of Optometrists Professional Certificates in Glaucoma and Medical Retina.From 20••••25 I undertook a medical degree through Swansea University, during which I undertook the ‘PsychStar’ scheme with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. I chose to leave my medical degree to focus on spending more time with my children.