“I am eager to use the skills I have learnt to make a difference to patients”

When the time finally comes to start looking for a pre-reg placement, it feels surreal. During my final year studying optometry, I couldn’t quite believe that soon I would be leaving the comfort of university, with all my friends, lecturers and supervisors beside me, to work in the big bad world. Although I was feeling apprehensive, if I learned anything at university it was how to navigate nerve-wracking times – which this certainly was.

Choosing a pre-reg setting

I studied at Glasgow Caledonian University, which was great at informing us of the opportunities offered by multiples, including presentations about the process of applying and the locations offering pre-reg placements.

I had been working every Saturday at an independent practice called Peter Ivins Eye Care since my first year of university. However, the likelihood of being able to complete my pre-reg there was low due to the number of testing rooms available.

After researching and applying for placements in both multiple and independent practices, I attended an interview and was subsequently offered a place at a multiple. I was keen to take this, however when Peter Ivins Eye Care suggested that it may be possible to stay on to do my pre-reg at their practice, I realised how keen I was to continue to work in a practice I had grown so fond of. They had so many opportunities to offer, so there was no doubt in my mind that this would be the best fit for me.

Developing a support network

I am delighted to be completing my pre-reg at Peter Ivins Eye Care, after witnessing first-hand just how much the staff prioritise their patients and their care. They also have many specialised clinics available, including dry eye, myopia control, and visual stress.

These have sparked my interest, by demonstrating how I could specialise within optometry. I plan to expand my clinical skills to enable me to take part in these clinics myself eventually. It also makes me feel more at ease, knowing I will be working alongside a great team who are happy to help and share their never-ending wisdom with me.

Peter Ivins Eye Care has been great in helping me prepare for pre-reg, by allowing me to observe sight tests, running me through their system, and making me feel comfortable by welcoming any questions. They have also set up many hospital placements, lab visits and courses to assist my learning throughout the year.

A good support network is so important to have during the challenging year that is pre-reg, so I am thrilled to know I have that

The staff members are making the effort to make the transition from university to pre-reg as smooth and easy as possible. The faith they have in me has definitely helped build my confidence during the times I have doubted myself. A good support network is so important to have during the challenging year that is pre-reg, so I am thrilled to know I have that.

As I prepare for the year ahead, I am feeling many emotions, ranging from excitement to enthusiasm to nervousness. On one hand, I am eager to use the skills I have learnt to make a difference to patients, and I am excited to have a little more independence than I had at university.

However, with that comes nerves. It is no surprise I am feeling apprehensive ahead of such an important year, but I have no doubt that others are feeling the same. It will be a challenging yet rewarding year, and I cannot wait to see what is in store.