We had a chat with our NHS Partnership Executive Fernanda Da Silva, who manages our ACES relationships in the Dartford area. Fernanda is a strong advocate for patient care and found her happy place at ACES where she helps promote the services and technology available to help reduce the NHS backlog.
- What were you doing previously?
I have always found something incredibly fascinating about the eyes. Being forced to wear glasses and contact lenses myself was the trigger I needed to explore how our vision can be corrected through different methods.
I worked in optical practices for over a decade, then switched to an NHS provider in the healthcare industry providing general ophthalmology and cataract surgery for patients, where I really enjoy making a positive impact in reducing the NHS waiting times and in helping patients receive the best eye care possible.
- What first attracted you to join ACES?
I was impressed by ACES’ commitment to patients, as well as the technology – including the advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment available within our clinics from global leaders Zeiss and Johnson & Johnson. I want to make sure that NHS patients have a smooth journey with ACES and achieve the best possible results with their eye sight and eye health.
“Being forced to wear glasses and contact lenses myself was the trigger I needed to explore how our vision can be corrected through different methods.”
- Can you explain what your role with ACES involves?
As a NHS Partnership Executive, I promote the services we offer at ACES to build strong relationships through the industry, including with the Local Optical Committees (LOCs), Optometrists, Dispenser Opticians (DO), practice managers and GPs.
My role is to raise awareness and facilitate a quicker treatment response for patients within the NHS, and overall, help to provide a fast and effective approach to the healthcare of patients.
We have an outstanding clinic in the middle of Kent & Medway in Dartford, with state of the art technology available from world leaders Zeiss and Johnson & Johnson, driving excellent patient outcomes.
- What are you most excited about?
I have always aimed to help people, which I was able to do through my many years working in optical practices and other healthcare providers. In this role with ACES, I am very excited to help Optometrists and their practices make a difference to patient care.
I want to help push the community forwards to enable a simpler and more efficient process for eye care. I understand the frustrations of waiting for something when it needs to be done, and I hope I can help reduce that waiting for our NHS patients, and help lighten the load on the NHS along the way.
“I want to help push the community forwards to enable a simpler and more efficient process for eye care.”
- What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
I was told to venture outside my comfort zone and to continue to be a lifelong learner.
- What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would buy multiple houses around the world, to use as a source of investment but also for travel and leisure!
If you are interested in referring your NHS patients to our ACES clinic in Dartford, please get in touch with Fernanda Da Silva on fernandadasilva@aces-eyeclinic.co.uk or 07741 181 914.
If you or someone you know has an interest in a career with ACES, please send your CV to careers@aces-eyeclinic.co.uk or visit our Careers page.
