“A big standout moment has been patients requesting to see me”

The transition from being an optical assistant to pre-registration optometrist has been quite smooth. Prior to my first eye examination, I was mainly dispensing and sitting in on sight tests. During this time, I learnt that to be a well-rounded optometrist I need to have a good level of understanding of how the practice runs and the products we offer. With this knowledge, I am able to correctly advise patients based on their needs and what is in their best interest.

The benefit of working within an independent practice is that I can work closely with representatives from suppliers to reach the desired end goal

I have realised that dispensing combines advice from the optometrist and the dispenser’s skills, knowledge, and experience. The benefit of working within an independent practice is that I can work closely with representatives from suppliers to reach the desired end goal. For example, I can directly call someone from the likes of Menicon or No7 regarding queries around ortho-k and how to cater it to certain patients.

Early challenges

One of the hurdles I have faced is the transition from being at university to working full-time. The loss of free time encouraged me to adapt my routine to allow me to get my revision done and still have a social life. Initially, another challenge I faced was connecting the dots between the patient’s presenting symptoms and what investigations to carry out.

At university, I had learnt and applied different skills needed to test eyes in isolated cases. However, patients come in with varying symptoms, each requiring investigation, so this has encouraged me to combine different diagnostic testing techniques simultaneously and manage the patient accordingly.

A big standout moment has been patients requesting to see me, either for subsequent appointments or from the experience they had with me whilst I was working as an optical assistant for the practice. The first time this happened was after I had completed my first ever cycloplegic refraction. The experience was nerve-wracking, but my feelings were calmed when the mother asked if I would be happy to test her other two children. Her praising my manner and the thoroughness of the examination gave me confidence, as I realised, I must be doing something right.

Initially, another challenge I faced was connecting the dots between the patient’s presenting symptoms and what investigations to carry out

Since the start of my pre-reg, I have encountered many patients presenting with macular pathologies. These experiences have helped me learn and gain a deeper understanding of the diagnosis and treatments of such complications, along with giving me an insight into what patients face with these conditions.

During my hospital placement, I was able to follow the process of treatments for different conditions. This has given me a wider understanding of the whole process, so when I am in practice with patients I am referring, I can explain what they will experience to help ease their anxiety.

I am most looking forward to being confident in my diagnosis and management without supervision, and also seeing how I grow as a professional and finding out where my strengths lie.