Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I chose to be an optometrist to help people. Sight is an extremely important thing in everyone’s lives and being able to save and improve something like that felt like a very rewarding career. 

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
The opportunity to be a representative for such a prestigious and important organisation within optometry is just something I couldn’t turn down.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
The Optometrists’ Formulary and CMGs are extremely helpful for providing the best care for our patients.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I think optometry has a unique blend of interesting pathology with the flexibility to work in settings other than a hospital. Also, the training pathway is one of the shortest of any health profession, meaning that we get to apply our knowledge on real patients sooner. 

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
The College engaged with me from the day I was accepted to study optometry, when I received a letter congratulating me and access to a wide range of guidance and resources. It's a non-profit organisation which has done a lot for the profession over the years, so I'm glad to be a part of it. 

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
Optometry offers so much more than we initially think, with many different career options and pathways - so check out Career pathways in optometry on the College website. The Clinical Management Guidelines (CMGs) are great resource when you need a quick reference, and are particularly helpful during pre-registration. 

What would you recommend about Birmingham to students from elsewhere?
Birmingham is a large multicultural city with something for everyone. The nightlife is amazing and you're never too far away from some amazing food places. Also, the Brummie accent is arguably the best in the UK!

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I previously worked as an optical consultant at my local high street opticians. Seeing optometrists making a difference to people's lives each and every day was very inspiring and admirable. I've always wanted a career that involves helping others and has an active role in the community, so I returned to education as a mature student.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
I would love to promote and represent something I genuinely value, gain valuable skills and have an active role in communicating and providing feedback between my student peers and the College itself. 

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
The student resources on the College website are a good go to! The College app is also very useful, especially for quick access to CMGs.

What would you recommend about your Cardiff to students from elsewhere?
Cardiff is a wonderfully diverse city with something for everyone; from the lively city centre filled with restaurants, shopping and live music and sports events, to local nature parks, museums and castles! Cardiff is also really easy to get around and one of the most affordable cities in the UK. 

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
Optometrists make an instant difference to people’s lives. As an optometrist working with a diverse population, you can see how ocular health ties into an individual's overall health and conditions, collaborating with a wide range of health sectors. The degree provides very hands-on learning, which I prefer as my way to gain experience and knowledge. 

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
Being a College rep enables me to be a provide a voice inside the world of university learning, and help to improve the experiences of current students as well as inspire people to choose optometry.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
Follow the College on Instagram to keep up-to-date with upcoming events, news and support.

What would you recommend about Cardiff to students from elsewhere?
Cardiff has a good balance of city life and student culture. There are plenty of coffee shops/social spaces to hang out and study with friends, restaurants for foodies, clubs for nights out, as well as great scenic parks within walking distance.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
My strengths and interests in school were always in the sciences and maths, and I also knew I wanted to study a course that led to many career paths, where no day is the same and where I would always be interacting with people. The idea of doing a course where a large part of it is practical based was also really appealing. 

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
I wanted the opportunity to help provide the College with ideas about information that current students would find helpful.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
The app and the Instagram page! Both can be used on your phone and are great for updates to changes in any regulations, guidance when practising, and more key topic areas that can be easily accessed.

What would you recommend about Cardiff to students from elsewhere?
There is so much to do in Cardiff for everyone, whether you like to have a fun night out, go out for walks or out to eat. Also, there are always events going on throughout the year. 

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I was fascinated by the fact that I could see the world more clearly after being prescribed glasses due to being myopic at a young age, and this inspired me to become an optometrist so that I can enhance the quality of people's lives.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
The College offers many fantastic resources and advantages for students, and being a part of the team will be an invaluable learning opportunity for me.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
I would recommend downloading the College app to access useful topic areas. Also, the Clinical Management Guidelines provide information on many eye conditions using simple language that is easy to understand. The College has a library catalogue containing a collection of optical books, journals, research papers, and pamphlets.

What would you recommend about Glasgow to students from elsewhere?
Glasgow Caledonian University is located in the city centre with its variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Cultural offerings include the Gallery of Modern Art, The Royal Concert Hall and the Theatre Royal.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I chose optometry after an optometrist discovered a family member of mine had diabetes, which sadly resulted in vision loss. This made me really appreciate the optometrist who had discovered the chronic disease and the specialist clinics that exist to salvage vision in patients.

Why did you stand to be a college rep?
College reps are a bridge between students and our professional body. We can let students know what the College stands for and the clinical and professional advice they can offer, and also provide feedback to the College.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
I would most definitely recommend the College app. It includes many helpful sections such as the Guidance for Professional Practice and the Optometrists’ Formulary. I would also recommend subscribing to their magazines for the latest news in optometry.

What would you recommend about Bradford to students from elsewhere?
I would recommend that students visit the Alhambra Theatre – it’s got amazing live shows and a beautiful interior that’s definitely Instagrammable! There is also City Park and Lister Park, which are stunning. History fanatics should visit the National Science and Media Museum.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I did my work experience at two local opticians in my area. I was inspired by the required attributes for a successful optometrist: confidence, organisation, and technical skills specific to each patient's treatment. I had the opportunity to sit in on full eye examinations and observe these skills. I was amazed at how all the optical instruments were used in conjunction with each other to assess the eye in such detail. This led me to apply for an optical assistant position and begin my studies in optometry.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
I’m looking forward to contributing to my fellow students and to optometry at Bradford as a representative of the College.

Which College resources and support are you going to recommend to your fellow students?
The College’s Optometrist’s Formulary on the College website has supported my optometry studies whilst learning the pharmacology module. It will be something I definitely continue to refer to even as a qualified practitioner, and recommend it to all optometry students. The webinars have also been an excellent resource where there is advice on finding the perfect pre-reg placement.

What would you recommend about your university town/city to students from elsewhere?
There are great transport links in Bradford; we have two train stations here. It is a vibrant campus with low-cost accommodation and plenty of eateries nearby.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I chose to study optometry when, after a long career in banking, I was offered and accepted redundancy. My daughter is an optometrist and was going through the pre reg process and she inspired me! I will be helping patients improve their lives.

Why did you stand to be College rep?
I use the College website during my studies and wanted to be more involved with the College and also raise awareness of what the College has to offer within my cohort. 

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
I regularly use Clinical Management Guidelines, Optometrists’ Formulary and Clinical Files amongst others. 

What would you recommend about Inverness to students from elsewhere?
Inverness is in the highlands with breathtaking views everywhere and fantastic walks. Loch Ness is nearby. The town is small and picturesque. There are decent pubs everywhere and the town is bustling on nights out!

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I have seen how eye defects are affecting the people around me. Also, my uncle suffered from diabetes, and lost almost all his vision as a result of late diagnosis. As an optometrist, I would like to help people secure and correct their sight by discovering their eye diseases much earlier. 

Why did you stand for College rep?
I know how much support the College can offer to optometry students but not all the students are fully aware of this fact. I would like to help deepen the connection between The University of Manchester and The College, and promote the communication between the two parties.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
I recommend the Optometrists’ Formulary, as this is really useful for optometry students stepping into the field of pharmacology for the first time. I also suggest they take a look at the information on career paths we can take after our pre-registration year on the website.

What would you recommend about Manchester to students from elsewhere?
Manchester is a big beautiful city with a diverse and inclusive environment. You can meet people from different places and become friends with them, explore different cultures and widen your horizons in the process! I would really recommend lunch at University Place. The food stores there are all amazing, especially the ones serving Thai and Vietnamese food. 

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
When I was fourteen I had two years of medical treatment, which I couldn’t have endured if it wasn’t for the doctors and nurses who treated me warmly and carefully. I wanted to help others by working in the medical field so I carried out some research and found that optometry is certainly in line with my dream of helping others.

Why did you stand for College rep?
I’d like to improve the studying environment for optometry students, and share anything that I find useful.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
All the College’s clinical guidance is extremely useful, especially the Optometrists’ Formulary.

What would you recommend about Manchester to students from elsewhere?
Manchester is a big city to explore. You can find anything in the city centre.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
In my childhood, my dad and I went to the eye hospital for various reasons and every visit made me more interested in how eye diseases are detected/treated and how the equipment is used. I managed to get work experience in a practice and really enjoyed it - especially finding out how optometrists can interact with and help patients, and spot conditions early so they can be treated in time.

Which College resources and support do you recommend to your fellow students?
Definitely the Clinical Management Guidelines! I like the way the college has put so much information on each type of eye condition and how you would treat it.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
During the COVID-19 pandemic I realised that I wanted to go into a medical field and I applied to do a range of courses from actuarial science to infectious disease. One night I had a conversation with a family friend who is a lecturer in optometry and doing research into myopic development, a topic which I have a lot of interest in. They inspired me to look beyond working in practice at the wide variety of options a career in optometry can bring.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
When I read the email calling for reps, I thought 'why not give this a try?'. I am friendly with my peer group and try to encourage some of the younger students and give them tips and tricks. As a college rep, I felt I could give be a voice for the students at Ulster University at college rep meetings but also be an excellent voice for the College and relay information.

Which College resources and support are you going to recommend to your fellow students?
On the College website there is a library section. Here you can find e-books including the Efron Contact lens practice book. This is a must read for both soft and rigid lenses!

Where will they be most likely to find you if they need you?
I am usually running round the optometry clinic or practice rooms. Out of hours I will be at home or at the beach going for a swim, everyone is more than welcome to join. Just bring a cup of tea for after!

What would you recommend about your university town/city to students from elsewhere?
If you prefer a more chilled vibe, come to Coleraine, most students live by the sea and the beach is only 5 minutes away from campus. Also, if you like coffee shops, we can give you a list of our favourites.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
I chose optometry because I witnessed how much of an impact it can have on both an individual's quality of life and the local community. I wanted to be able to provide that sight changing, life changing help to those who need it.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
I stood to be College representative because I wanted to be a voice for my fellow students, representing them to the College and the College to them.

Which College resources and support are you going to recommend to your fellow students?
I would recommend the Clinical Management Guidelines. This is an incredible resource that I often turn to when I have questions regarding any clinical finding.

Where will students be most likely to find you if they need you?
I can most often be found staying late in the clinic or at a piano.

What would you recommend about your university town/city to students from elsewhere?
Coleraine has a good community and overall, a nice vibe. It’s close to the coast while still easily accessible by train and bus. For entertainment, there is the Jet Centre and cinema along with a good number of popular fast-food chains.

Why did you choose an optometry degree?
From a young age, my ambition was to find a career where I can combine my interest in science with my passion for helping others. My sister is an orthoptist so she gave me an inspiring insight me into the world of eyes! I knew it was a great fit for me, as I was fascinated by the intricacy of the eye and the power of vision in daily life.

Why did you stand to be a College rep?
I want to help other optometry students in any way I can, and share knowledge about different College resources and support offered to enhance their optometry journey.

Which College resources and support are you going to recommend to your fellow students?
The brilliant EyePod! I think these podcasts are an amazing resource because you can expand your knowledge while doing other things. I would also encourage students to browse the website as there is definitely something that will help everyone.

Where will students be most likely to find you if they need you?
In the main library.

What would you recommend about your university town to students from elsewhere?
Living by the sea is amazing! I really feel that it has improved my quality of life and that it has been good to have a change from such a big city to a smaller seaside town!