Pre-reg focus

“I have already seen some interesting pathology”

Oran O'Connor, pre-reg optometrist at Specsavers in Newtownards, on blocking out time to speak to his supervisor every day and the pathology he has seen so far

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

“It is exciting to be able to make my own decisions”

“The confidence does come with practice”

“I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for me in the world of optometry”

Using technology to diagnose retinal holes as a pre-reg

“I am so grateful to have mentors who motivate me to succeed”

“Obtaining a second opinion has been invaluable”

“So far, I’ve achieved all the competencies at each visit”

“I was amazed by what I had seen”

“This is truly a reflective period for me”

“A big standout moment has been patients requesting to see me”

“Being able to apply the theory we learnt at university has been incredible”

Pre-reg optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Akshay Shah, tells OT  about starting the search for his placement as a first year student

“Every patient is a new experience”

“Nerves just mean you care about getting a decent result”

“It feels unbelievable that a year has come around so quickly”

“Ask questions, no matter how big or small”

“I’m planning my wedding whilst studying for the pre-reg”

“My confidence in taking on more complex patients has grown”

“It’s been really enlightening working in a place with such a clinical drive”