My pre-registration year began back in August 2021. I was glad to be starting with no delay after graduation. I know the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a lot of delayed pre-reg placements, but I was lucky enough not to be affected by this. I was very excited to be progressing in my position at Urquhart Opticians and eased myself in gently, testing three days per week. I started with testing times of two hours for a full eye exam, and gradually built up to testing five days in the starting months with occasional days on the practice floor dispensing. As my experience grew, I began to cut down my testing times to one hour.
I feel I have settled into my role as a pre-reg optometrist fairly well. One challenge I did face was finding my confidence and authority with patients. As our patient demographic lies in the over 60 range, initially I found it difficult to assertively communicate in a professional way. Switching my attitude and building my confidence has allowed me to instil trust and reassure patients of my ability to provide a high-quality eye examination.
Having completed my final year of university in multiple lockdowns led to a very nervous start and massive learning curve in the first couple of weeks
Another major challenge I faced was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this not affecting my start date, having completed my final year of university in multiple lockdowns led to a very nervous start and massive learning curve in the first couple of weeks. However, this pressure was significantly alleviated as I had the opportunity, ahead of starting my placement, to shadow Urquhart optometrists for a few days of testing. I quickly adapted to this, with the support of my supervisors and the front of house staff.
The best part of my pre-reg experience so far has to be the feeling of accomplishment after solving my patient’s problems to a satisfying level. Helping people get the treatment and outcomes they desire puts my job satisfaction at an all-time high. A standout moment for me has been helping a young astigmatic patient, who was under the impression she was not suitable for contact lens wear, through a successful fit and aftercare. The patient was so grateful to be able to see clearly without her glasses for the first time.
Helping people get the treatment and outcomes they desire puts my job satisfaction at an all-time high
I am very much looking forward to the experience I will receive at the hospital placement, but unfortunately I have not been able to attend this yet. I am eagerly anticipating a variety of different advanced conditions and treatments that I can learn about first-hand.
I have learned so many different things since beginning my pre-reg in August, but one of the most important lessons is how good note taking and a thorough history and symptoms can be the most vital part of the eye test. Knowing and noting every detail can make such a difference in forming an accurate diagnosis.
A further lesson I learned is the importance of being organised. With the number of specific competency types that are required in the pre-reg period, being on the ball from the very beginning is invaluable in ensuring all the areas are met.
Caroline says…
I chose this location because… I grew up in the Haverfordwest area and had worked as an optical assistant at the store before going to university. I liked their commitment to providing NHS services and the enhanced equipment they use to deliver high quality patient care.
The process of finding a placement was… more straightforward for me than for many of my peers during the pandemic. I had a good pre-existing relationship with the store directors and staff. I was informally offered a position before my third year at university and confirmed my place during the Christmas holidays.
Caroline Mansfield is a pre-registration optometrist at Specsavers in Haverfordwest, Wales.
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