Ikrah Mahmood
What has been the most surprising part of studying optometry so far?
I have found many aspects surprising, but to highlight some, it would be the constant evolution of technology in optometry—from digital imaging to advanced tools for identifying refractive errors, contributing to innovation in the field. I love the hands-on experience from day one. I also find the anatomy of the eye very interesting. It's remarkable how a small structure can provide a wealth of information about the overall health of an individual. For example, it can offer insights into conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol issues, and even certain cancers.
Which College resources do you recommend to your fellow students?
The College of Optometrists is really good, especially for extra revision to support me alongside my lectures. It can be difficult to find a wealth of resources to support my learning alongside lectures, but The College of Optometrists has several sub-sections on their website, such as research, contact lenses, publications and journals. They also have various webinars that anyone can attend. The "Career Pathways" section is very good, as once qualified, there are all sorts of opportunities and roles within optometry, and the website is useful for researching ideas and learning more. Also, I must say the app is very handy.