Joanna Shokat

As a Senior Ophthalmic Optometrist and Contact Lens Specialist, I bring over 20 years of extensive experience within the dynamic field of ophthalmology. My professional background encompasses a wide array of competencies, including but not limited to retinal diagnostics, refractive surgery, clinical leadership, and support for ophthalmic research initiatives. I have developed a robust expertise in conducting comprehensive eye examinations that integrate the latest advancements in ophthalmic technology.

My skills in advanced ophthalmic imaging techniques, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging, enable me to perform detailed retinal disease screenings, enhancing the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. I am adept at visual field assessments, optical biometry, and corneal topography, all of which are crucial for evaluating patients with complex ocular conditions. Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to clinical research, collaborating with ophthalmologists and multidisciplinary teams on various studies focused on retinal diseases, outcomes of refractive surgeries, cataract surgery procedures, keratoconus management, corneal transplantation, and the efficacy of ophthalmic pharmaceutical treatments.

Recognized for my leadership abilities, I take pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development among staff members. My commitment to patient-centered care is evident in my approach, which prioritizes the needs and preferences of patients while ensuring that all clinical services adhere to the highest standards of clinical governance and safety.

Ophthalmology Department Team Lead / Laser Safety Supervisor - King Edward VII Hospital, London - London, United Kingdom

• Lead the Ophthalmology Department, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
• Manage clinic operations, patient pathways, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Perform comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and diagnostic assessments.
• Support ophthalmologists during ophthalmic surgical procedures and laser treatments. Assist with and oversee procedures such as intravitreal injections, minor surgeries—including chalazion removal, eyelid incisions and biopsies, suture removal, cyst drainage, and nasolacrimal probing and irrigation.
• Supervise and prepare patients for YAG procedures, including capsulotomy, iridotomy, as well as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatments for glaucoma.
• Oversee departmental audits, quality improvement projects, and risk management activities.
• Ensure compliance with laser safety regulations and maintain laser incident reporting systems.
• Train and mentor clinical staff in the operation of ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and clinical procedures.
• Contribute to ophthalmology research and clinical data collection activities.

Ophthalmology Clinical Research - Imperial School of Public Health

Support consultants in managing clinical trial patients by performing essential diagnostics and investigative procedures that align with the predetermined conditions of the trial. This includes carrying out laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other assessments as required to monitor patient health and response to the investigational treatment. Ensure that all procedures adhere to the trial protocols and regulatory standards and assist in documenting findings meticulously for accurate record-keeping and analysis.

Collaborate with the clinical team to address any complications and provide comprehensive care to participants throughout their involvement in the study. Conducted thorough retinal examinations and imaging of the posterior segment to identify structural retinal changes that may correlate with the progression of neurological diseases.

• Assisted in research efforts examining the relationship between retinal biomarkers and neurodegenerative disorders to ascertain disease markers at earlier stages than conventional invasive procedures, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling obtained via lumbar puncture.
• Screened research participants based on established study inclusion and exclusion criteria, ensuring compliance with approved research protocols.
• Maintained precise source documentation, research records, case report forms (CRFs), and clinical databases in alignment with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Supported the collection, organization, and analysis of clinical and diagnostic data for research publications and study reporting.

Clinical Research Support - Ophthalmology Clinical Research Support

• Contributed to clinical research studies involving retinal disease, cataract surgery, corneal pathology, refractive surgery outcomes, keratoconus, and ophthalmic pharmaceutical treatments.
• Collection and documentation of clinical research data and diagnostic findings.
• Acquisition of OCT scans, retinal photography, visual field results, and optical biometry measurements.
• Assisting ophthalmologists with retinal examinations and disease monitoring.
• Screening patients against study inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Supporting studies relating to diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, macular oedema, keratoconus, cataract outcomes, corneal transplantation, and refractive surgery.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and research documentation.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams involved in clinical research and patient care.
• Contributed to clinical research initiatives focused on the investigation of dementia and Alzheimer's disease through the identification of ocular biomarkers and the evaluation of retinal alterations associated with early neurodegeneration.
• Collected tear fluid samples for biomarker analysis as part of non-invasive methodologies designed to detect early indicators of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Applied Vision Science (Optometry) - Anglia Ruskin University

Diploma - Biomedical Science - Anglia Ruskin University

Diploma - Optics / Refraction - City and Islington College A Level - Biology - A Levels A Level - Chemistry - A Levels A Level - Mathematics - A Levels