We caught up with Bilikis Yusuf, ophthalmic technician and nurse.
Bilikis has been working at Moorfields for ten years, her role involves caring and assisting patients with visual acuity testing and using different ophthalmic diagnostic devices.
I am from Nigeria. Specifically, the western part of Nigeria. Yoruba is my mother tongue and my first language.
Has there been one example or situation which has made you feel an additional sense of pride working at Moorfields and why?
I am proud to be part of Moorfields. My sense of pride relates to how we work at Moorfields, how people are treated within it and our engagement with the community at large.
Additionally, my sense of pride as a staff member derived from the support received to undertake a nursing degree, coupled with the feeling of being important and appreciated by my colleagues, which enhanced my experience during my studies.
Most importantly, I have a sense of pride working at Moorfields for always feeling empowered.
When you’re not working what do you like to do?
I love travelling and learning new things. For example, learning about food from different countries, exercising regularly, cleaning and having get together parties with the family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given and how has this helped you?
At the start of my nursing degree, I was overwhelmed with all the information at the beginning, doubting myself and thinking I will not be able to do it. I had a lot of encouragement from my loved ones. But the best advice I was given was never to give up nor lose hope.
What makes you happy?
Fulfilling my daily activities. Going on holiday, meeting up with friends and families. Feeling happy when people around me are happy.
How do you personally try and create a better work/life balance? Do you have any top tips to share with staff?
I prioritise myself by focusing on the task as a matter of urgency, dividing the work at hand between the bigger and smaller ones and complete it one after the other.
Taking breaks when I need to. I set my goals, consider what is important to me and plan how to achieve them while trying to avoid any form of distraction.
I am a good team player who ensures my colleagues are happy when working together.
What would your colleagues be surprised to discover about you?
A big surprise that some of my colleagues discovered about me was that I have a 20-year-old son. They were very surprised to know my age and it was very hard for them to believe!