"IÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™d wanted to do optometry for a long time; wearing glasses and taking regular visits to the opticians sparked an interest. I took A levels in biology, chemistry, physics and maths, applied to the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ and came here to study straight after finishing college.
We have a week of placement in the first year and two weeks in the second year in an opticianÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s practice. This helps give us an idea of the working week as an optometrist, and helps those who havenÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t worked in practice already to get an idea of how an optometric practice works. We are allowed to practise on each other and the general public whenever possible; working with people you donÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™t know very well helps with communication and confidence with others.
The best part of the course is definitely when we get to be in our third-year clinic, testing the general public. Here, all of the things weÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™ve learnt in the past two years come into practice and it finally feels like weÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™re ready to go into the workplace!
Optometry at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ is very hands-on and practical; the lecturers are great and always happy to help. My advice, if youÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™re considering this degree, would be to get yourself your own practice placement, a Saturday job in an opticians over the summer, or time in an ophthalmology unit in a hospital. This will give you a basic knowledge that is always handy!
The UniversityÂÌñ»»ÆÞ™s sports clubs are great and, personally, I've done rowing for the last two years and have loved it."