“It is reassuring to know that we are all in the same boat” 

I have found the first two months of my pre-reg enjoyable, but intense.

I am enjoying getting into a routine of seeing various patients and being exposed to different pathologies. It is a big jump from university, working full-time with a reasonably lengthy commute, and then needing to make time for additional study in preparation for upcoming visits.

Seeing my first patient was nerve-wracking.

The patient was highly myopic with a high cylinder power, which made the refraction slightly more difficult. Understandably, I found it a little daunting, but I was reassured because my supervisor watched my test and was able to give me some positive feedback, which gave me more confidence.

I’m settling into the multiple setting by making the most of having lots of different optometrists around me with different points of view.

I find it really useful to discuss their various approaches to cases. They give me helpful suggestions regarding my records, pointing out where I can improve and streamline my note taking. This also helps in the run up to visits, as they help critique my records before I show them to my assessor.

The team at Specsavers Stirling was fantastic from day one, and has made me feel very welcome and comfortable in my new role.

One example of an interesting pathology I’ve seen so far is a branch retinal artery occlusion.

The patient presented for their routine sight test and had not been experiencing any symptoms. Their visual field showed a defect matching where the branch retinal artery occlusion was. It was challenging to then have to break this news to the patient, as they were not expecting it.

In the next few months, I am most excited about continuing to see more interesting pathologies.

This will help me to improve my confidence in diagnosis, breaking bad news, and explaining management to patients.

My most memorable moment so far is seeing a patient who was registered severely sight impaired.

They were not currently wearing glasses, but wanted to know if there was anything I could do to improve the small area of vision they had. I was able to use plus lenses to improve their vision to a level which they found quite overwhelming. It was touching that they were so thankful that I had spent the time helping them. I think it will be an experience that will stick with me for a long time to come.

I had to do some thinking on my feet when I was asked questions I had not prepared for

My most nerve-wracking moment so far was my first visit.

I was not entirely sure what to expect from it and was trying to prepare as best I could. I had to do some thinking on my feet when I was asked questions I had not prepared for. I will use this experience to help me prepare for my remaining visits, as I now know more of what to expect.

To maintain a work-life balance, I plan to use my days off in the week to have time for studying, as well as meeting up with friends and family.

I also find it very useful chatting to friends from university who are also pre-regs, as it is reassuring to know that we are all in the same boat.