The AOP Awards 2019 Newly-qualified Optometrist of the Year, Joseph Ong (pictured), on approaching the pre-reg year with an open mind and the invaluable clinical experience gained during his placements

Pre-reg optometrist, Zaman Sachedina, discusses how the enjoyment of interacting with patients led him to a career in optometry

Academic lead for vision sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, Rupal Lovell-Patel, tells OT  about the new Integrated Master’s in Optometry programme

OT  speaks to CooperVision’s FORCE Student of the Year 2019, Juliette Papin (pictured), about her winning research project

First year optometry student at the University of the West of England (UWE) and AOP student rep, Khambreal Garland, speaks to OT  about wanting to improve eye care in his hometown

Second year optometry undergraduate at the University of Manchester and AOP student rep, Hajra Sattar, on preparing for the biggest and most exciting learning experience of her life

Third year optometry undergraduate at City, University of London, Brooke Hutchins, and optometrist and professional education and development manager for the UK and Ireland at Johnson & Johnson, Sheetal Patel, discuss carrying out research as part of STEP Educational Project

First year optometry student at the University of Hertfordshire and AOP student rep, Tom Bonfield, describes his journey from trainee dispensing optician to optometry undergraduate

Third-year optometry student at Glasgow Caledonian University and AOP student rep, Hanna Diab, tells OT  about the optometrist who inspired her to swap degrees

Second year undergraduate at the University of Plymouth and AOP Awards Student of the Year 2019, Luke McRoy-Jones, on the excitement of improving the quality of life of his patients