“It has opened so many doors and provided opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had”

The AOP has launched a campaign seeking to recruit student representatives for the 2022–2023 academic year.

AOP student representatives play a key role in sharing the views and experiences of their peers, as well as helping to shape the services that the Association offers for students.

The Association is looking to appoint a student representative from each of the 15 optometry departments across the UK. The position is open to students who will be studying in their second or third year from September 2022–September 2023. OT speaks to four qualified optometrists who were past AOP student representatives to find out what they gained from the experience and why they would encourage students to apply.

Josie Evans

University: University of Manchester, graduated 2017.

Current role: Community optometrist in independent practice, visiting clinical tutor at City, University of London, member of the junior faculty at Johnson & Johnson Vision, and AOP Councillor.

Why did you apply to become an AOP student representative?

I wanted to do something different and to be involved in the profession outside of university. I imagined it would be a great way to explore what optometry was all about, in addition to enhancing my CV for pre-registration applications.

What did you get out of the experience?

Applying to be an AOP student representative was one of the best decisions I made at the time; it has opened so many doors and provided opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. It was wonderful to meet reps from other universities and to develop ideas about how the AOP could further support student members. I have met incredible people through my work with the AOP and I enjoyed the student rep experience so much that I have continued with the organisation as an AOP Councillor.

Why would you encourage current first and second year students to apply?

Why not? It’s a great opportunity in itself, and, in addition to opening doors, it’s opened new conversations and provided different perspectives. I think it’s incredibly valuable to be involved in different aspects of your profession from an early stage.

What are your career goals?

There are so many things I’d like to explore in optometry. In the next year, I am hoping to achieve the independent prescribing qualification and to be involved in a research publication. In addition, I’d like to gain more experience in presenting and delivering education.

I’m passionate about expanding the role of community optometrists within the NHS and in the more distant future, I’d hope to contribute to improving the integration between primary and secondary eye care.

Applying to be an AOP student representative was one of the best decisions I made at the time; it has opened so many doors and provided opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had

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Bhargavi Zinzuwadia

University: Aston University, graduated 2017.

Current role: Locum optometrist and sessional lecturer/clinical supervisor at Aston University.

Why did you apply to become an AOP student representative?

My university experience allowed me to step into the world of optometry with a breadth of knowledge, whilst knowing that the real challenge ahead was going to be the application of this knowledge in practice. As a university student I strived to expand my theoretical knowledge of the profession, as well as my understanding of industry and business. Being an AOP student representative allowed me to gain just that.

What did you get out of the experience?

Becoming an AOP student representative allowed me to network with fellow students across the UK and work alongside experienced practitioners. Each student representative had their own set of ideas, which allowed for great discussions and much learning when we met.

As an AOP student representative I was involved in many projects, such as working with qualified practitioners to discuss clinical guidelines, liaising with fellow reps to organise events, and contributing to OT.

Why would you encourage current first and second year students to apply?

I would encourage student optometrists to apply to become an AOP student representative in order to give them a varied university experience. This position allows students to learn more about the industry they are preparing to enter, as well as learn many transferrable skills such as communication, teamwork, and creative thinking, which will help them as a practitioner.

This position allows students to learn more about the industry they are preparing the enter

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Hanna Diab

University: Glasgow Caledonian University, graduated 2020.

Current role: Community optometrist in Scotland.

Why did you apply to become an AOP student representative?

I wanted to represent Scottish optometry students to ensure that enough support was being offered in the northern part of the country. As Scottish practice is slightly different to that in other parts of the UK, it was important to me that changes to the profession and student initiatives benefited all students regardless of where they were studying.

What did you get out of the experience?

I met some amazing students from other universities, who I have remained friends with. Being able to meet them at the AOP office throughout the year to discuss major developments in optometry made me feel like a bigger part of the vision sciences community. We were able to have our say on the Education Strategic Review consultation, voicing concerns and offering suggestions from our experiences during university. It was also great to be able to celebrate the end of my year as student rep by attending 100% Optical and the AOP Awards with my peers.

Why would you encourage current first and second year students to apply?

You get to have your say and have an impact on how we can further improve student support and the ways the AOP can help all of us in our careers. It also allowed me to make connections in our profession that I would not have been able to otherwise.

What are your career goals?

Once I have some more clinical experience, I look to complete further qualifications such as independent prescribing as I feel this will be vital in future practice.

You get to have your say and have an impact on how we can further improve student support

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Dan Varcoe

University: University of Bradford, graduated in 2013

Current role: Optometrist and owner of two independent practices in Cornwall

Why did you apply to become an AOP student representative?

I applied to be an AOP student rep because I wanted to learn more about my profession as early as possible in my career and this experience provided me with this opportunity. Having already qualified and worked as a dispensing optician prior to studying optometry, I also felt that my knowledge and experiences in this area meant that I was well placed to reflect and feedback.

What did you get out of the experience?

I got to meet other optometry students from across the UK and learn more about the profession and the AOP. I was able to sit on the Association’s membership committee and I believe that change really did come from the discussions that were had about the students’ needs and experiences.

Why would you encourage current first and second year students to apply?

It is a valuable experience and enables you to learn about the profession you are studying to enter and your professional association. It is valuable to engage with your profession as early as possible in your career and this is one way to do that. It also allows you to meet and network with your peers. For prospective employers, it demonstrates engagement and could help you stand out from the crowd and make a good impression when applying for your pre-reg.

What are your career goals?

With two practices now, for me it is about working to develop both practices into what I want them to be and helping them to reach their potential. Both practices currently do what they need to do and do it well, but they could be enhanced further.

It demonstrates engagement and could help you stand out from the crowd and make a good impression when applying for your pre-reg

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Become an AOP student rep

The AOP is currently recruiting students reps for the 2022–2023 academic year. To apply, visit the AOP website and download an AOP student representative application form. Applications should be completed and sent to [email protected] by 6 May 2022.