The AOP and your university

About Juwaria Khan

Being an AOP student representative has genuinely been one of the best parts of university for me. I’ve been able to get involved in things I never thought I would, such as taking part in a video shoot, giving a talk to students on behalf of the AOP, and going to events like 100% Optical. I’ve also had the chance to go to the AOP office in London for meetings, which made everything feel a lot more involved and engaging.

Furthermore, I’ve made really good friends and connections with students from different universities, as well as members of the optical profession, who I will definitely keep in touch with after I graduate. I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me, and I would highly recommend the role to anyone thinking of applying.

About Neel Verma

Being an AOP student representative this year has been a rewarding experience. I represented optometry students from my university, sharing their views and helping strengthen the connection between students and the wider profession. Through opportunities such as attending 100% Optical, I met new people across the optical community and gained valuable insight into the profession beyond university. The role helped me develop confidence, communication skills and a stronger sense of professional involvement within optometry.

About Ikrah Mahmood

Being an AOP student representative has been a really rewarding experience. It has given me the opportunity to connect with other students and better understand how the AOP supports us when making career choices from the very beginning of our optometry journey through to qualification and beyond. I’ve especially valued seeing how the student voice is listened to and represented, as well as learning more about the additional resources available to us and the awareness the AOP creates around important and emerging topics such as optometry and AI.

One of the things that stood out most to me was learning more about the legal, clinical and regulatory advice the AOP provides, and how much support is available to us even as students. Attending 100% Optical with the AOP was also a highlight, as it helped me see first-hand the fascinating optometry profession.

About Narthika Sivaloganathan

Being an AOP student representative has been such a positive experience for me. When I first came into optometry, I didn’t really know anyone in the field, so putting myself out there wasn’t easy, but becoming a rep changed that completely.

I’ve had opportunities I never expected, like attending events such as 100% optical and introducing well-known speakers. It’s something I never would have imagined doing before, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped build my confidence.

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is being able to create content that shows what optometry is actually like from a student’s point of view, and being able to support other students in a way that feels real and relatable.

Being able to encourage and inspire first-year students meant a lot to me, as I remember exactly how overwhelming it can feel when starting the course, so having someone there to show you what resources are out there really makes a difference! On top of that, the AOP community is genuinely very supportive. Everyone is helpful and always willing to guide you, so you never feel like you’re doing anything alone.

Overall, I’ve had a brilliant time being a rep. I’ve met so many people, learned so much, and had opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’d definitely recommend it to any student thinking of applying. It really shows you a different side to optometry, and it’s something I'm really glad I got involved in!

About Komal Gill

My year as the Association of Optometrists (AOP) student ambassador for the University of Bradford has been such a rewarding and enriching experience. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to represent my fellow optometry students and connect with the wider professional community. It’s helped me grow in confidence, build my communication skills, and gain a much deeper understanding of the profession beyond university.

One of the highlights was attending the 100% Optical event in London, where I had the chance to introduce guest speakers and meet inspiring professionals in the field. I also took part in the AOP promotional video, which was a great experience. Being able to learn about the future of optics and connect with specialists has been truly motivating. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities and experiences this role has given me and would definitely recommend for other students to give it a go.

About Thandeka Chourombo

A part of why I wanted to be a student representative was exposure, and after almost a year of being one, I can say that I have not been disappointed. I have had the chance to meet other optom students, bounce ideas off each other and see what kind of future they dream of for optometry.

Attending 100% optical was one of the goals I can now tick off a list. Being able to talk with various eye health professionals and care providers, getting to sit on some workshops and seminars and being given the chance to speak on stage to introduce speakers been amazing. This has done wonders for me as a future optom and as a person.

About Heer Kapadia

Being an AOP representative has been an incredible experience, allowing me to build meaningful connections, find a supportive space among fellow reps to seek advice, and gain a deeper understanding of the many underrated advantages within Optometry Today; attending 100% Optical was truly invaluable and an event every student should experience, as it offers so many opportunities to learn and grow, and overall this role has contributed immensely to both my professional and personal development, all nurtured by the supportive AOP family.

About Ansa Javed

With experience across a variety of optical practice settings, both before and during my MOptom studies, I’ve seen how diverse and sometimes unfamiliar the field of optometry can feel. Like many students, I’m still finding my way through the new structure of the degree and clinical training, including CLiP. As a student rep, I want to make the journey feel a little easier by sharing what I learn, listening to others, and encouraging open, supportive conversations across the student community.

About Bashir Mutyaba

Being an AOP student representative has been a truly rewarding part of my optometry journey. Working with the Association of Optometrists had allowed me to connect with other students, share our experiences, and contribute to conversations around clinic, study pressures, and student life.

The role has helped me develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills, while also making me feel more connected to an organisation that will be part of my professional career. Being able to represent student perspectives and see first-hand how much the AOP values its student members has been a fantastic experience. Everyone I have interacted with at the AOP has been supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in students. I would definitely encourage other students to get involved if they have the opportunity.

About Baarah Shanbour

I’m a second year optometry student at the University of Manchester. I’m excited to be AOP representative because I believe every student should feel included and valued within our profession from the very start. In this role, I hope to act as a bridge between students and the AOP, making sure our experiences and concerns are heard. I want to create a supportive environment where students know they can turn to me for help, guidance, or simply to share their thoughts. By working together, I hope to strengthen our sense of community and ensure we all feel prepared and confident as future optometrists.

About Sadhiya Begum

Being an AOP student representative opened the door to many new opportunities and experiences. One of the highlights was attending 100%, which was an amazing event where I had the chance to network, meet a wide range of people, and discover new brands within the industry.

The role helped me build confidence, expand my professional connections, and gain a deeper insight into the field, making my overall experience with the AOP extremely positive and rewarding. It gave me a real sense of belonging within the student and professional community. It also really helped during university, as I was able to connect and talk with other student representatives, sharing experiences, advice, and support.

About Katie Bowman

Being involved with the AOP as a student rep has been a really valuable part of my time at university. It’s given me the opportunity to develop my confidence, communication, public speaking, and a chance to meet and network with other students and members of the optometry community.

The AOP has been incredibly supportive, offering clear guidance on the student rep role and how they continue to support us through CLiP and into our professional careers.

I would really recommend the role to future students as a great way to build skills outside of your degree and learn about all the pathways and roles optometry has to offer.

About Helen Hawkins

I'm really excited to be one of the AOP student reps from UWE because I'm passionate about making optometry more accessible as a second career. I've come to optometry after numerous years working as a nurse which gave me a love for eyes!

About Lucie Davies

My name is Lucie and I am one of the AOP reps for 2025/26. Being a rep has meant a lot to me this past year, it’s allowed me to meet fellow students around the UK who are all on similar journeys to myself. The support from the AOP has been amazing, and having insight to how much work they put in to help us students has made me feel extremely grateful. I’ll be sad to see my time as an AOP rep end, but I’m excited to see what the new cohort of reps are going to achieve.