Kareena Panthakey is an experienced Optometrist with a specific focus on providing bespoke vision correction solutions and CQC appointed Clinic Manager at AccuVision: The Eye Clinic. Established in 2001, AccuVision is one of the UK's leading eye care clinics with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, technical expertise utilised with great ethical responsibility and forward-thinking ties with like-minded industry experts.
Having started as a niche service provided by a specialist team and state-of-the-art technology, the company has grown organically through word of mouth and recommendation, with clinics in London, Solihull, Wetherby and Bristol and several close relationships which have stood the test of time.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Amongst family, close friends and in the special places and memories of my childhood. Bombay, a city that is usually described as an assault on all senses, but for me, weaves a thread of organised chaos and wonderful, colourful stories and heritage. These have added immense cultural value to my view on life in general, which shows in the way we always respectfully interact with the people who depend on us.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
I feel great pride in the small but immensely significant everyday achievements of our team. Every thank you, every grateful, happy patient whose life we may have added value to, every acknowledgment for a job well done is motivation and keeps spurring us on to raise the bar on ourselves.
3. What inspires you?
The joy and curiosity I see in my spirited daughter. The drive to work at giving her the best upbringing we can, seeing the good in others and by setting an example for her. Our Asian cultural mentality and ethos of appreciating and elevating what has been passed on to us through generations, to create a better future for the next. A quote that left an indelible impression comes to mind, which we hope we live by. "Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness." - George Sand
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I have always been taught to look at challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. Trying times as much as good times are the circumstances that enable us to grow, to become better, more authentic versions of ourselves.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My paternal grandmother, who still works every day of her life, at over 90 years of age. She has passed on to us that in life it is never game over no matter how many times you are knocked down. Just when you refuse to stand up tall again.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
Adding value to people's lives in every way I can.
7. And the worst?
I am yet to find this.
8. What are your long-term goals?
With the unprecedented times we currently face it seems strange to make "long term" plans. I would hope to continue growing what we have built and use it as a platform to contribute productively both professionally and within our local communities.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
In a social media driven world, the gap between narrative and reality seems ever increasing. When my friends and I became mothers, it made me realise how different the present environment can be compared with when I was a child. If I were able to effect change, it would be to promote more support networks for mothers and young families, much like the nurturing influences of extended families and communities. These safety nets of wisdom and care (albeit with their occasional pitfalls), seem lost in the rush to gain autonomy.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Some quiet time is sometimes welcome! I would stick with my husband - great adventurer, skilfully practical, a bottomless pit of information, and my friend. What more would I need?
