Pre-reg focus

Adapting to technology as an optometry pre-reg

Pre-reg optometrist at Boots Opticians, Eliza Jane McCall, tells OT about utilising technology and pushing herself forward to see children and contact lens patients as she completes visit four

4 min read

Young female optometrist smiling as she looks through a slit lamp microscope to examine a male patient’s eyes in a softly lit clinic room, with a blurred owl picture on the wall in the background

Gavin Forster

Eliza Jane McCall

31 March 2026

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I’ve found the use of technology in practice to be a valuable tool. Before starting my pre-reg, I worked as an optical consultant in a practice with great equipment, which was also the case in university clinic, and now in my pre-registration placement. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced such advanced technology in all three settings. While we never rely on it completely, it helps to show findings more clearly and provides added clinical information.

In our practice, we use both Optomap and optical coherence tomography, which I’ve found brilliant for the depth and breadth of information they give.

They can help pick up asymptomatic pathology or be used when we have specific concerns. That said, I think it’s important not to rely on technology alone. Good history taking, understanding symptoms, Volk and refraction are still the most important parts of the eye examination and are essential skills, especially if systems go down, during phone consultations, or when patients cannot access the machines.

We’ve also moved from paper to online records, as all Boots Opticians practices have, which was a steep learning curve at first. However, I now find the system much more efficient than paper records and a positive step forward.

It’s important not to rely on technology alone. Good history taking, understanding symptoms, Volk and refraction are still the most important parts of the eye examination

The most challenging part for me at this stage is making sure I see the correct number of patients in each required category.

I’ve completed my fourth visit and am now waiting for my logbook to be signed off, which can happen once I’ve seen enough patients, particularly children under the age of seven and contact lens patients. These were areas I didn’t take on as much at the start of my pre-reg, due to lower confidence, but my numbers have gradually increased over time.

Recently, I’ve had to be much more proactive by communicating with the team, keeping an eye on the diary, and making sure I put myself forward to see these patients whenever possible, even when they may be more challenging.

The most memorable moment so far has been completing my fourth visit.

It felt incredibly rewarding and went much better than some of my previous visits, which gave me a real sense of achievement. The feeling of accomplishment was second to none. Although I’m still apprehensive about Stage 2 and the objective structured clinical examinations, I’m hoping to carry this positivity and confidence forward as I continue.

I feel very grateful that I don’t take work stress home with me and can often properly switch off once I leave the practice

My work-life balance is good at the moment.

I work with a wonderful team where we can be flexible with days off, which helps a lot. I tend to gradually increase my studying as assessments get closer, so in quieter periods I make sure to prioritise seeing friends and family, going away for weekends, or properly switching off.

I also try to use any spare time during the working day productively, which means I can relax more in the evenings. Overall, I feel very grateful that I don’t take work stress home with me and can often properly switch off once I leave the practice.

I’m building my confidence as an optometrist by exposing myself to more patients.

I now see many more patients each day and rarely pass up a challenging appointment, choosing instead to deal with it head-on. I strongly believe that putting myself forward and trying more is the best way to build confidence. The more patients I see, the more confident I become, and there really is no better time than during the pre-registration year, when a dedicated supervisor is always there to support and guide me.

I also feel much more confident and comfortable communicating with a wide range of patients and reflecting on each encounter. Alongside this, continued textbook learning for assessments has helped strengthen my clinical confidence.

I was also fortunate to spend a week on placement at the RVI Eye Centre, where I saw a wide variety of patients across clinics including orthoptics, keratoconus, anti-VEGF and the emergency eye department. This experience was invaluable and added to my confidence and learning.

At present, I am working towards being signed off for Stage 1 and preparing to move into Stage 2.

I have started revising the Stage 2 case studies early, using support from the Boots learning and development team and regularly asking for advice from the newly-qualified optometrist I work with. Starting early has helped me feel more prepared and confident about the next stage.

The most important thing I have learnt in the past 60 days is...

Not to be too hard on myself. I know I’m putting the effort in, and I have the support of my team, peers and supervisors around me. I’m fortunate to be in an environment where everyone understands how stressful the pre-registration year can be. I’ve also learned the importance of taking time to relax, as switching off properly actually makes my time at work more productive and focused.