The AOP and your university

About Habeeb Rahman

Hello, I'm Habeeb Rahman, a final-year optometry student. My journey began as a Student Rep for the AOP, where I passionately advocated for the voices of optometry students at my university. I've since been appointed as a Councillor for the AOP, continuing to shape the future of optometry.

In addition to my role with the AOP, I proudly serve as a Student Rep for the BCLA Membership Committee and the College of Optometrists. My dedication to advancing the field of optometry drives my commitment to these positions.

Optometry is currently undergoing significant changes in the education sector. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every voice is heard, and I'm honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to these organisations.

About Anusha Hussain

Hello everyone, I am a second-year optometry student at Anglia Ruskin University, and now an AOP student representative. The multi-faceted nature of the role of an optometrist came to my attention when I got my eyes tested at my local opticians. The professional I saw was not only helpful and polite but had loads to say about business opportunities, technological advancements, and the role of medicine in this stem-based career. The fact that I was able to combine my love for science and so many other disciplines in a role that would fulfil my desire for learning hands-on skills was a true match made in heaven.

Vision is such a crucial part of an individual’s quality of life, and to help people maintain and restore this gift is truly magic. Optometrists are magicians in my eyes!

The fact that the AOP is giving students like me a voice is truly an honour, and I’d love to use it to further promote the optometric profession. Considering the current strain on NHS services, we can expect to see optometrists taking on even more responsibility from the hospital eye service, with qualifications like Independent prescribing becoming even more valuable in coming years.

About Ifrah Jalil

I am currently a second-year optometry student at Aston University, working as an optical assistant at an independent practice.

The world of eyes and optics has always fascinated me since an early age. I have been captivated by the complexity behind the human eye and how it plays such a vital role in our lives.

Whilst growing up, my brothers were diagnosed with amblyopia and colour vision deficiency. I witnessed firsthand the impact of vision deficiency on their daily activities and well-being. This experience allowed me to appreciate how optometrists can improve an individual's quality of life.

I have a particular interest in children's vision. During their developmental years, good eyesight is not only essential for doing well in school but also impacts a child's social interaction and overall growth.

Around 20% of children may pursue vision issues that may go unnoticed, therefore early intervention is vital.

With a rapidly increasing population, future generations of optometrists will make an enormous impact on a lot of people's lives through the way in which eye care is delivered. Thus, it is important that the viewpoints and ideas of students are shared and listened to with the AOP.

About Habeeb Rahman

Hello, I'm Habeeb Rahman, a final-year optometry student. My journey began as a Student Rep for the AOP, where I passionately advocated for the voices of optometry students at my university. I've since been appointed as a Councillor for the AOP, continuing to shape the future of optometry.

In addition to my role with the AOP, I proudly serve as a Student Rep for the BCLA Membership Committee and the College of Optometrists. My dedication to advancing the field of optometry drives my commitment to these positions.

Optometry is currently undergoing significant changes in the education sector. I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every voice is heard, and I'm honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to these organisations.

About Palak Kapadia

Hello, my name is Palak, and I am studying Optometry at Cardiff University. I am an International student from Africa.

During my summer breaks in high school, I used to actively attend local eye camps in Kenya which made my goal to pursue optometry as a career certain at a very young age.

I was a BCLA student ambassador last year and part of the talented students' team that made a presentation at the BCLA clinical conference for the first time in history!

Joining the AOP Council will allow me to represent students and work with the AOP team to make a positive impact. Can't wait to learn and be part of the amazing team.

About Balraj Golar

I am a third-year optometry student at City University of London and work part-time as an optical assistant in West London.

Since starting the course, I have been fascinated by the different ways in which optometrists can identify, diagnose, and manage different eye pathologies and conditions using various optical machinery and tools; this has further strengthened my passion to help people of all ages in the future to provide excellent care as a clinician.

My role as a student ambassador allows me to demonstrate my acquired skills in an environment that I am passionate about, to help shape future optometrists and the future standard of eye care.

I look forward to assisting students in conveying their views and ideas across to the AOP to deliver more useful resources and services for them.

About Usmaan Hamid

Hey, I’m Usmaan! A second-year optometry student at the university of Huddersfield and have a keen interest in all things optical. Working as an optical assistant I see a lot of ocular problems, as an AOP rep I plan to help implement change in the optical world, share new ideas from my peers, and increase awareness of what the AOP are doing.

Outside of work and study, I am an avid horologist and run my own watch repair business, I am currently improving my skills in pyrography and love all things automotive!

About Aadam Teladia

I am currently a second-year optometry student at the University of Manchester and the current president of the University Optometry Society.

My favourite part during the first year has been the clinical aspects in which you get to learn hands-on relevant practical skills and techniques used during an eye test.

The various possibilities optometry has to offer such as independent prescribing, hospital placements where you'll be working close-knit with other health care professionals to diagnose ocular diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, the ability to opening up your own practice, travelling around, locuming or going into researching and academics are just some of the various rewarding pathways available.

I am looking forward to taking on this role and being a valuable member of the AOP Student Representative Council.