“Curiosity and self-awareness are powerful drivers”

Reflection and refinement

Although university provides optometrists with the theoretical foundations, the first five years after qualification are what truly shapes the kind of clinician they will become. There is a significant difference between understanding the theory and achieving practical understanding. Fresh from qualification, you are essentially a P-plate driver: you know the basics, but the real confidence and mastery only comes with time, experience and deliberate practice.

Practical mastery demands more than repetition alone; it requires reflection and refinement. After each clinic or challenging case, I would recommend that newly-qualified practitioners ask themselves the following questions: how could I make this better for the patient? How could I make this better for me? How could I make this better for the business? And when things don’t go to plan – and they won’t, especially in the early years – the most valuable question becomes, what can I learn for next time?

Newly-qualified optometrists should make full use of the expertise around them. Asking the dispensing opticians around them questions, understanding the products available in the practice and seeking feedback from senior team members all play an important role in development. Optometrists simply cannot make appropriate recommendations for patients if they do not know what is available in the practice. These early habits set the foundation for continuous improvement throughout a practitioner’s career.

Experimentation is part of the process. Trying new ways of explaining things may feel awkward at first, and some approaches will work better than others – but experimenting is essential

Communication skills

In the consulting room, communication is every bit as important as clinical skill. It is easy to label certain patients as difficult, but as professionals, we are responsible for managing consultations with empathy and clarity. Patients are rarely at their best when they enter the room; they may be worried, stressed or anxious about giving the wrong answers and ending up with the wrong prescription. Their behaviour is almost never intended to challenge us.

The first five years of practice for newly-qualified optometrists are the ideal time to actively develop communication skills. This is when having a mentor or experienced optometrist to lean on becomes invaluable. Observing how seasoned clinicians handle tricky conversations, explain complex concepts or reassure anxious patients will help shape their own style.

Experimentation is part of the process. Trying new ways of explaining things may feel awkward at first, and some approaches will work better than others – but experimenting is essential. I would avoid optometry jargon wherever possible and aim to explain things in a way that a 15-year-old could understand. Clear, empathetic communication not only builds patient trust but also defines your professionalism.

Newly-qualified optometrists should reflect on where the joy lies for them, rather than chasing money alone

Be curious

Curiosity and self-awareness are powerful drivers for a fulfilling and successful career. Reading, reflection and exposure to new ideas will help early career optometrists to strengthen their communication skills, their personal confidence, and their understanding of the world beyond the test room.

Being curious also means taking time to understand the type of optometrist you want to be. Our profession offers enormous breadth, and newly-qualified optometrists should reflect on where the joy lies for them, rather than chasing money alone.

I would encourage practitioners to ask themselves what type of patients they enjoy seeing and which specialties spark their interest. I’d also suggest considering whether an organisation aligns with their values. A mismatch here can lead you to believe that optometry isn’t right for you, when in truth you may simply not have found the right environment.

Your reputation is one of your most valuable career assets. Protect it deliberately, from the very beginning

Building relationships and your reputation

The optical industry is a remarkably small world. You will cross paths with people decades after first working with them, and your reputation will follow you throughout your career. This is why building strong relationships and protecting your professional reputation from day one is vital.

Simple behaviours make a profound difference. Show up on time. Deliver your best for both the business and the patients. Avoid cancelling clinics at the last minute to take another opportunity elsewhere. Reliability and professionalism are noticed – and remembered.

Poor delivery or a poor attitude spreads quickly, and word gets around when a locum or resident optometrist is not someone practices want to work with. But the opposite is also true: when a clinician is excellent, kind, reliable and collaborative, teams look after them, request them repeatedly, and support them through busier and quieter times.

Your reputation is one of your most valuable career assets. Protect it deliberately, from the very beginning.