As an optometry student at the University of Plymouth, finding a balance between my academic studies and a weekend job can be tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I’ve been fortunate to work part-time as an optical assistant at Boots Opticians. This job has not only given me valuable experience and insight into the world of optometry, but has also been an incredible opportunity to develop practical skills, boost my confidence and attain a deeper understanding of the profession I’m studying.

One of the best things about working in practice is seeing the entire patient journey unfold before me. While university teaches you about clinical techniques, working in practice allows me to witness what happens before and after the patient enters the optometrist's room. By performing pre-tests and assisting with patient care and aftercare, I have improved my communication skills. I explain procedures to patients, reassure them, and ease their concerns. It's not just about clinical knowledge, but also about making patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their visit.

Even in my OSCEs, where I need to demonstrate my clinical skills, experience in taking patient history and symptoms during the booking in process at work, has made me much more confident. Practising how to do this in a real-life setting, rather than just in exam conditions, makes it feel more natural and helps me perform better when it comes to the real exam.

Another highlight of working at an optician's is the chance to work with advanced equipment, such as the Optomap. I’ve become familiar with capturing widefield retinal scans, which has been interesting yet challenging. I often test myself by spotting different pathologies based on what I’ve learnt at university, and the optometrists are really helpful with providing feedback! Doing this is also a brilliant way to reinforce the knowledge I’ve learnt at university and apply it in practical scenarios.

Of course, juggling work with university commitments can be tough at times. Saturdays at the practice can get busy, and I sometimes find it challenging to keep up with revision on the weekend. On the days I work, I usually opt for something more relaxing to do in terms of studies, such as making flashcards or annotating my clinic workbook.

I always make sure to prioritise my university deadlines and let my employer know that I may not be available to work during certain dates. My managers have been kind enough to offer flexibility when I need time off during the holidays, and I can even practise my clinical techniques at work such as retinoscopy and manual focimetry during quiet periods or on my lunch breaks.

As a student, you need to be understanding and mindful that you are contributing towards a business, and your presence is important when covering busy periods and supporting your team. You also need to recognise that working on weekends might be the only practical option, since you'll be in university throughout the week. Make sure you’re not skipping lectures for shifts and be prepared to adjust your schedule to accommodate being a weekend worker. When it comes to managing your daily tasks, a great trick is to use a calendar app like Google Calendar to block out time for important work. This helps you stay on track and makes sure the day doesn’t slip away without getting things done.

The hands-on experience I’m gaining now is not just useful for my studies but is also preparing me for future placements, such as CliP in my fourth year. By the time I get to my CLiP placement, I’ll already be familiar with patient interactions, pre-screening procedures and working under pressure. This will make the jump from university to the workplace much easier.

Employers recognise the dedication it takes to balance both studies and work and appreciate the real-world experience that comes with it. Having experience in an optical setting shows that you are not only committed to the field, but are also gaining practical skills that will make you a stronger candidate for future placements or job opportunities.

If you're considering working while studying, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

• plan ahead - Make sure to schedule work and study time, always prioritising university deadlines
• take every opportunity to learn - Whether it’s practising techniques or asking questions, every moment at work is a chance to learn and develop
• unwind when needed - After a busy shift, I love taking a stroll to the Plymouth Hoe to clear my head and reset before getting back into study mode. It’s always good to get some fresh air after being indoors all day and take a moment to recharge!

Having a part-time job at an optician's has undoubtedly been one of the most rewarding aspects of my optometry studies. It’s given me hands-on experience, enhanced my confidence and provided further context to what I’m learning at university. It also offers a break from academic life, allowing me to step into a practice where I can apply and consolidate all the information I’ve learnt.

If you’re an optometry student considering a part-time role in practice, I’d highly recommend it. Not only will it enhance your skills and prepare you for future placements, but it will also help you build a strong CV that will stand out to future employers. It’s an investment in your future, and honestly, it’s one of the best things you can do as you work towards becoming a qualified optometrist.