How Amar Aslam Saved a Baby’s Life | Boots Opticians Pride of Retail Winner
Earlier this year, a concerned mother visited Boots Opticians- Braehead about her four-month-old baby’s eyes after being unable to secure a GP appointment. Although fully booked and without an appointment – and with infant eye exams being extremely rare – her concern was clear.
Optometrist Amar Aslam overheard and recognised potential red-flag symptoms. He stepped in immediately to assess the baby and quickly identified signs of a serious issue. Acting fast, he arranged an emergency same-day appointment at the local children’s hospital.
The baby was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumour and required emergency surgery, but thanks to Amar’s swift action, it was caught just in time. The family later returned to share that their baby is now expected to live a long and healthy life.
What did it mean to you to receive the Pride of Retail Award, and how did you feel when you heard about the nomination?
I heard about a nomination into the Retail Week Awards back in October 2025. I didn’t fully understand much about the nomination and naturally put it to the back of my mind. The original category I was nominated in was ‘The Community Heroes Award’ which thankfully a colleague in Boots Dumfries won and we were all relieved that Boots were going home with an award. To go on and win the Pride of Retail award was a huge surprise that I still think back and ask if it was real.
When you think back on the situation behind the nomination, what professional skills or experiences helped you respond in the way you did?
I do believe that many Optometrists and people who work in Health Care develop an instinct when they feel something is not right. Similar to a police officer having a ‘hunch’. Usually, this professional skill develops with years in practice in how you investigate, collaborate and communicate. Possibly in this situation, my experience allowed me to trust my intuition, stay calm for the patient, and act with the urgency required to ensure they received specialist care immediately.
What do you enjoy most about your role, and what motivates you to go the extra mile for customers?
It may sound like a cliché but I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and with unique personalities. I firmly believe as an employee, a professional and a human being if I am in a position to help someone then I will – that motivates me.
How has your career journey with Boots Opticians shaped the way you approach your work and customer care?
The last 12 years, since I joined Boots, have been the most defining in my career.
Boots has a unique way of making clinical excellence feel accessible and community-focused. It has shaped my approach by encouraging me to blend high-level healthcare with a warm, personal touch, ensuring that every patient feels seen and heard.
How would you describe the culture of Boots Opticians, and how does it support colleagues to do their best work for customers?
Our Leadership team has been more focused on ‘putting Optometrists at the heart of Boots Opticians’ and the efforts are there to be seen. There is a strong sense of teamwork that allows us to focus entirely on the patient and knowing I have a supportive team behind me gives me the confidence to make the right calls and provide the best possible outcomes for our patients
What advice would you give to someone considering a career here or starting out in Opticians?
My advice would be if you are considering Optometry as a career then embrace the fact there is lifelong learning. This is what makes the role interesting and enjoyable.
