16 July 2026
The AOP has appointed its student representatives for 2026–2027, who will help to share the experiences and views of students.
Drawn from across universities in the UK, the student representatives will identify needs and concerns of optometry students to help shape the services offered by the AOP.
The student representatives include:
- Aston University: Umamah Shazad
- The University of Manchester: Sara Areabi
- University of Bradford: Jaweria Mahmood
- Ulster University: Matilda Wong
- City St George’s, University of London: Danyal Nasim
- University of the Highlands and Islands: Lauren Forrest
- University of Huddersfield: Saahirah Sayed
- Cardiff University: Daniah Hadeethi
- Cardiff University: Heer Kapadia
- Anglia Ruskin University: Zi Yu
- University of Plymouth: Andrew Lough.
Rita Davids, membership benefits officer at the AOP, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new cohort of AOP student representatives for the 2026–2027 academic year.”
She added: “It is integral to ensure that the collective student voice is heard. This group’s ideas and suggestions will continue to build upon previous student rep programming and will further enhance the support we offer members in the profession now and in the future.”
Being an AOP student rep means championing an organisation that truly supports us
On taking up the student representative role, Umamah Shazad, who has just finished her second year at Aston University, told OT: “Being an AOP student rep means championing an organisation that truly supports us.”
Even with a packed schedule, the programme for being a student representative is achievable and “deeply rewarding,” she added.
“I get to promote incredible perks, like free student membership, vital legal protection, peer support, clinical guidance, and career resources, proving you can stand for something important without compromising your studies,” Shazad continued.
Meet the student reps
Highlighting the importance of sharing the student experience, Daniah Hadeethi, who will be entering second year in autumn, said: “Being a student representative for the AOP means supporting and representing fellow students, making sure their voices are heard. It’s also a chance to get more involved in the profession, learn from others, and develop skills that will help me advocate for my peers and grow as a future optometrist.”
Danyal Nasim, who will be entering second year in September, said: “I’m passionate about optometry and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. Being a student representative for the AOP is an opportunity to engage more closely with the profession alongside my peers, while representing the views of my fellow optometry students.”
Andrew Lough told OT: “Being an AOP student rep means a lot to me. I’m so grateful to have this role and to have the opportunity to be able to represent an organisation at the forefront of the optometry world like the AOP.”
Lough, who has completed the first year of his degree, added: “It gives me the opportunity to help not only students at my university, but also optometry students throughout the UK. I also see it as a way to shape the environment in which optometry students will be working after they graduate.”
I see it as a way to shape the environment in which optometry students will be working after they graduate
Commenting on the opportunities for development, Zi Yu Dong, who will be entering her second year at Anglia Ruskin University in September, explained: “I feel proud to be an AOP student rep because I will get the chance to network and discuss opinions that are always worthy of listening too.”
“Moreover, being involved in potentially making an improvement is very rewarding. This is a chance for me to grow and learn so much more, I am very happy for this chapter of my journey," Dong added.
Jaweria Mahmood told OT: “I'm excited to be an AOP Student Representative as it's a great opportunity to support my peers, share student perspectives and to help strengthen our future profession.”
Sara Areabi, who has completed the first year of her degree, said: “For me, being an AOP student representative is a fantastic opportunity to represent my fellow students, as well as a chance to make new and meaningful connections with students across the UK. I hope to share their perspectives and contribute to positive changes within the student community.”
Meet the student reps
Matilda Wong, who has finished the first year of her optometry degree and is entering her second in autumn, shared: “Being a student representative for the AOP means more opportunities to get involved, participate in AOP activities and represent the student voice from my university.”
Raising the experiences of students was highlighted by Saahirah Saiyed, who is due to start her second year in September, and said: “For me, being an AOP student representative means having the opportunity to voice the needs and concerns of my peers to the AOP, and help to drive real, positive change for the future of the profession.”
“I hope to raise awareness of how the AOP provides support to students in several ways, and to be someone who students can look to for guidance and advice,” Saiyed added.
Meet the student reps
Lauren Forrest, who will start her third year at the University of the Highlands and Islands in autumn, told OT: “I hope this role will help me encourage my peers to network, learn and make the most of AOP opportunities while ensuring students in the Highlands and Islands are aware of the support the AOP offers.”
Heer Kapadia shared: “Being an AOP Representative is an exciting opportunity that I am looking forward to. It offers numerous opportunities to network with fellow students and professionals while helping me build a strong support system within the optometry community. I believe the role will allow me to develop valuable connections, gain new experiences, and contribute positively to both my peers and the profession.”
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