01 September 2025
From the tip of Scotland to the beaches of Cornwall, late summer sees new pre-registration optometrists getting to grips with real-world clinical settings – whether in a bustling community practice or the possibly daunting hospital eye department.
OT caught up with our new cohort of Pre-reg focus contributors, to speak about fears, expectations, and hopes as they geared up to start their placements.
Eliza Jane McCall
I graduated from...
Glasgow Caledonian University.
I chose to pursue a career in optometry because...
I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, helping people while staying closely involved in their care. I enjoy the mix of patient interaction and the analytical challenge of assessing and diagnosing eye health. It is a varied and stimulating profession that constantly offers new experiences and challenges. My father is an optician, and hearing his experiences and visiting his practice showed me the real impact this work can have, inspiring me to follow the same path.
My favourite thing about studying optometry was...
How challenging and varied it was. Every patient presented something new, which meant I was constantly learning and adapting, whether it was choosing the right frames, fitting specialised contact lenses, or providing low vision aids. The absolute highlight for me was my fourth-year project on facial expression recognition. I genuinely loved every stage of it, from researching the topic to collecting and analysing data, and found it both fascinating and rewarding. It remains one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my degree.
I will be undertaking my pre-reg at...
Boots Opticians in Sunderland.
I chose this mode of practice because...
In a High Street practice, absolutely anyone can walk through the door. Being in a city centre means seeing a constant variety of people. I enjoy meeting, talking to, and helping people of all ages and backgrounds, and I find the diversity of experiences and perspectives both rewarding and fascinating.
My father is an optician, and hearing his experiences and visiting his practice showed me the real impact this work can have
Securing my pre-reg placement was...
A challenging decision, because I had to choose between staying in Glasgow, where I studied and where there are many pre-reg options, or moving back home near Newcastle.
Finding the placement was made easier thanks to the General Optical Council’s vacancies website. The interview was nerve-wracking, but I was quickly put at ease by the welcoming and understanding team I met.
Ahead of starting my pre-reg, I felt...
Quite nervous. Learning a new system, adapting to a new area, meeting a new patient cohort, and joining a new team all at once felt overwhelming. However, everyone I have met has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, which quickly put me at ease. I’ve had the chance to connect with current pre-regs and optometrists who qualified anywhere from a year ago to much longer and hearing their experiences has been reassuring. Everyone was in the same position at some point, so they truly understand what I’m going through. The support I’ve received from everyone in the optics community has been invaluable.
The thing I am most excited about is...
Really putting my skills into practice. I want to help people while developing and honing the skills I worked hard to learn at university. I enjoy challenging and engaging tasks, and I believe the pre-registration year will push me. Looking back, I hope to see how much I’ve grown, continue developing new skills, and ultimately be able to help even more people.
The thing I am most nervous about is...
Conducting visits and examinations. I sometimes find that I worry when under pressure, but I’m determined to face this challenge head-on and build my confidence through experience.
Follow Eliza Jane’s pre-reg journey in print and on the OT website from October.
Nora Amoakohene
I graduated from...
The University of Bradford.
I chose to pursue a career in optometry because…
I had laser eye surgery myself and was amazed at how quickly years of inconvenience were resolved in a matter of seconds. It also made me realise how much eye health impacts people in my community, and I wanted to give back.
My favourite thing about studying optometry was...
The blend of practical sessions with theory, which really helped me understand what was being taught in the classroom.
I will be undertaking my pre-reg at...
Premier Vision, Bradford.
I chose this mode of practice because...
Premier Vision stood out to me as a very patient-focused practice, with the right support system to help me progress through my pre-reg year.
Securing my pre-reg placement was…
Challenging, as I was a mature student with no background in optometry. One practice even told me they thought I had too much going on – studying, being a mum, and having a part-time job – so they declined to hire me. Once I eventually started working Saturdays, I received two pre-reg offers, but I ultimately chose Premier Vision.
Ahead of starting my pre-reg, I feel...
Very nervous, as many people have said it’s difficult. It feels good knowing I did well at university, but I still wonder whether I’ll be able to recall everything when I need to.
Premier Vision stood out to me as a very patient-focused practice, with the right support system to help me progress through my pre-reg year
I’m most excited about…
Putting everything I’ve learned into practice, and developing the confidence to give patients news, whether good or bad, boldly and with assurance.
I’m most nervous about…
Meeting the deadlines and finishing my pre-reg before I run out of time. I used to be most worried about missing ocular diseases, but now I know my supervisors will be there to support me.
Follow Nora’s pre-reg journey on OT’s Instagram page from October.
Zak Saleem
I graduated from...
The University of Plymouth.
I chose to pursue a career in optometry because...
Vision can be such a vital component for people to lead an active lifestyle, and seeing the impact an optometrist can make is amazing.
Optometry offers a blend of clinical expertise, intellectual stimulation, problem-solving and meaningful patient interaction. The aspect of making a difference to patients’ lives, enhancing vision and overall wellbeing, fuelled my passion.
My favourite thing about studying optometry was...
Discovering the connection between ocular and systemic health. I found it fascinating how signs and symptoms in the eye can reflect wider systemic conditions, impacting the patient’s health holistically.
I will be undertaking my pre-reg at...
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
I chose this mode of practice because...
Of the challenging environment it offers, where no two days are the same. The complexity of patient cases pushes me to think critically and apply my knowledge at a deeper level, whilst refining my clinical skills. I value the opportunity to work in setting where continual learning is encouraged.
I found it fascinating how signs and symptoms in the eye can reflect wider systemic conditions, impacting the patient’s health holistically
Securing my pre-reg placement was...
Rewarding. I knew from the beginning of my studies that I wanted to pursue a role in the hospital, so securing this was particularly meaningful and a proud moment for me. It felt like a key milestone after a lot of hard work and resilience and made it all worthwhile.
Ahead of starting my pre-reg, I feel...
Motivated and excited to take on the challenge. It is a big step, and there is definitely a sense of ‘good nerves.’ I see that as a positive sign though, and look forward to applying everything I’ve learned so far and gaining new experiences.
I’m most excited about…
Gaining first-hand experience in managing patient cases. I enjoy the challenge of applying my knowledge and problem-solving in real clinical situations and learning how to adapt to each patient’s needs.
I’m most nervous about…
Adjusting to the steep learning curve at the start of my pre-reg. Hospital optometry involves managing a wide variety of complex cases, and while I’m excited by the challenge, it will be testing. I think the nerves come from wanting to do well and make the most of the opportunity, but I see this as a positive. It will keep me motivated to learn, ask questions and keep improving.
Follow Zak’s pre-reg journey on the OT website from October.
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