Meet the AOP student representatives for 2025–2026

The AOP has appointed its student representatives for 2025–2026, who are ready to share the experiences of fellow optometry students.

Student representatives help to highlight the voices of optometry students and support the AOP to address the needs of young professionals.

Juwaria Khan, third-year optometry student at the University of Plymouth, has been named chair of the student committee and also takes the role of AOP Councillor representing undergraduate student optometrists.

The student representatives for 2025–2026 include:

• Juwaria Khan, University of Plymouth
• Bashir Mutyaba, University of Highlands and Islands
• Lucie Davies, University of the West of England
• Helen Hawkins, University of the West of England
• Neel Varma, Anglia Ruskin University
• Ikrah Mahmood, Aston University
• Narthika Sivaloganathan, Aston University
• Thandeka Chourombo, University of Bradford
• Komal Gill, University of Bradford
• Sadhiya Begum, The University of Manchester
• Baarah Shanbour, The University of Manchester
• Katie Bowman, Ulster University
• Ansa Javed, City St George’s, University of London
• Heer Kapadia, Cardiff University.

OT heard from some of the new AOP student representatives about what the role means to them and their expectations for the year ahead.

Juwaria Khan, AOP Councillor and student representative, University of Plymouth

I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to be both a student representative and the undergraduate Councillor. It’s a big responsibility, and I want to make sure I represent students across the UK fairly and genuinely.

Sometimes student voices can be overlooked or underrepresented, but I believe we’re an important part of the future of optometry and should be involved in the conversations that shape it. It means a lot that my fellow student reps and I have been trusted with this role; together, we’ll do our best to put forward and advocate for the ideas, concerns, and questions that matter to students.

I’m hoping to use this role to raise the concerns students face day-to-day. I’ve had people speak to me about struggling with confidence and communication skills in clinic, uncertainty around pre-reg or CLiP contracts, and worries about retail pressure after graduating.

Although these topics aren’t always openly discussed, they come up between students all the time. I’d like to bring those and any other concerns into the right spaces and make sure they’re acknowledged.

I’d love to see better communication training throughout the degree, more open discussions around contracts, and clearer guidance for when things don’t go to plan, such as when a placement falls through. Even small things like knowing your rights or getting honest advice early on can make a big difference.

I believe we’re an important part of the future of optometry and should be involved in the conversations that shape it

Ikrah Mahmood, AOP student representative, Aston University

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

Being an AOP student rep means having the chance to represent and support my peers in a meaningful way. I see it as a role where I can help make sure student perspectives are included in conversations that shape the future of the profession — especially around education, regulation, and how technology is evolving in optometry.

It’s also a chance to connect with others across the country, share ideas, and work together to create a better experience for current and future students. I want to be someone others feel comfortable approaching, whether it’s to ask a question, share feedback, or find support

What are you looking forward to in the role?

In this role, I’m really looking forward to connecting with other like-minded students and helping to spread awareness about the AOP and all that it offers. As I prepare for my placement year, I’ve become much more aware of how valuable the AOP is — both in terms of support and resources — and I want to help more students recognise its importance early on.

I’m also keen to share tips and resources that have helped me so far in different parts of my degree — from academic revision and studying, to accessing wellbeing and professional support. And of course, I’m really excited to attend 100% Optical and represent the AOP there too.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

Being an AOP student rep so far has been fulfilling. It’s not just about the role itself but about the people — meeting other reps and realising we’re all committed to making a difference for students now and in the future has been really motivating. There’s something special about being part of this close-knit team that feels like it’s going to have a real impact.

Meeting other reps and realising we’re all committed to making a difference for students now and in the future has been really motivating

Heer Kapadia, AOP student representative, Cardiff University

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

Being an AOP student rep means a great deal to me, as it allows me to develop several skills such as networking, communication, teamwork, and listening skills. It’s an incredible role, as it opens so many doors for my future and gives me insight into what my potential career may look like. It’s just an amazing role that reminds me why I love and chose this career.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I am looking forward to attending 100% Optical and seeing all the new innovations, building new connections, and becoming more knowledgeable about the field. It’s an amazing opportunity to get to know my fellow student reps from other universities, learn with them, and build long-lasting professional relationships.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

The whole team is so friendly and welcoming — it really makes me feel like family. Getting to know the other student reps, learning new things, and passing on valuable information to help others through this role has been fantastic. It’s very exciting, and I look forward to working with, and getting to know, each and every member of the AOP family.

It’s just an amazing role that reminds me why I love and chose this career

Helen Hawkins, AOP student representative, University of the West of England

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

Quite surreal. Just over a year ago I was taking some time out from my job as a nurse to consider what the next step would be and now, I’m not only back at university studying for optometry (and loving every minute) but also have the privilege of representing my university at the AOP.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I’m looking forward to working with other student reps to help make optometry more accessible and appealing to mature students and those considering a career change.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

Our initial meeting in London was really enjoyable – meeting student reps from other universities, the AOP staff, and the chief executive’s dog! It was interesting to learn more about the AOP.

I’m looking forward to working with other student reps to help make optometry more accessible and appealing to mature students and those considering a career change

Narthika Sivaloganathan, AOP student representative, Aston University

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

To me, being an AOP student rep is about connecting students with the wider industry, making sure our voices are heard to build a true community.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I’m looking forward to collaborating with other representatives and professionals, as well as helping students benefit from AOP resources like legal advice and career support.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

Becoming a student rep has been very rewarding and insightful so far. Knowing that the work we’re doing now will benefit both current and future students makes this experience very meaningful.

Lucie Davies, AOP student representative, University of the West of England

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

For me, being an AOP student rep means having the chance to make a real difference in how optometry students are supported — both during our training and as we prepare for the profession. I’ve always been passionate about delivering the best possible care for every patient, regardless of their background or personal challenges, and this role gives me a platform to start advocating for that early on. It also means representing my peers and helping make sure student voices are heard when it comes to key issues in education and patient care.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I’m really looking forward to connecting with other students and professionals across the country. I want to learn from others’ experiences, share ideas, and get involved in projects that focus on improving patient care. I’m especially interested in promoting more support and training for working with patients who have social or additional needs — I think there’s a real opportunity to make a difference there. This role also gives me a chance to grow personally and professionally while contributing to something bigger than myself.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

It’s been a really positive and inspiring experience. It’s helped me feel more connected to the wider optometry community and shown me how much work goes on behind the scenes to support both students and practitioners. I’ve already met some great people, and I’m excited about the conversations and opportunities that lie ahead. Being involved has also motivated me even more to pursue my goal of working in a hospital setting as an independent prescriber, and to continue advocating for equal, high-quality care for everyone.

I’m especially interested in promoting more support and training for working with patients who have social or additional needs — I think there’s a real opportunity to make a difference there

Sadhiya Begum, AOP student representative, The University of Manchester

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

Being a student rep means opening new doors and putting myself out there; it means new opportunities and being able to make a difference to upcoming optometrists. This role gives me the chance to contribute to the ever-changing world of optometry and to ensure students have the support they need during their journey. I want to be able to offer help and build on any areas of weakness to further support students.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I’m looking forward to working with others who share the same goal. We’re all part of the same journey, and I hope we can all put our hands and minds together to bridge any distances between students and the AOP community. I want to make a difference, and I hope to do that through this role.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

The experience has been amazing; meeting both the AOP committee and the fellow reps I’ll be working beside has been warming and exciting. The experience has been easy going and welcoming, and the committee has eagerly taken our ideas on board. I’m excited to work alongside these members and can't wait for the year ahead.

This role gives me the chance to contribute to the ever-changing world of optometry and to ensure students have the support they need during their journey

Katie Bowman, AOP student representative, Ulster University

What does it mean for you to be an AOP student rep?

I’m really excited to start my journey as a student rep. The AOP is an incredibly valuable resource for students that is so beneficial to our studies and helping to highlight that in my university is a goal of mine this year.

What are you looking forward to in the role?

I’m really looking forward to working with the other student reps and helping contribute ideas to the AOP on how to best support students and pre-reg optometrists. I’m also looking forward to welcoming the incoming first years, as so much information about the world of optometry is thrown at you in the first few weeks (or so I thought) it is good for them to have a peer to turn to, to help break everything down and make the transition to university less scary.

How would you describe the experience of being an AOP student rep so far?

So far, being a student rep has been an amazing experience. The in-person meeting in June had such a welcoming environment thanks to all the amazing people at the AOP, and it was the perfect way to start to build friendships with the rest of the committee.