Great Opportunities In Studying Optometry
Optometry grants the opportunity to have a constructive impact on vision worldwide thus general health and well-being is improved drastically. It captivates me knowing that routinely eye checks do not only strengthen corrective vision, but also pick up crucial signs of health care. For example, droopy eyelids and irregular shaped pupils can possibly indicate a tumour or an aneurism, optometrists can indicate unhealthy blood sugar levels by examining kinks or tears in the back of the eye which suggests diabetes may be present.
The multitudinous opportunities available in optometry is something I am diligent to learn. The A-levels I am currently completing, have given me the ability and skills to study optometry. Chemistry has taught me analytical skills as well the ability to carry out practical skills using a vast amount of scientific equipment which have provided me with life skills such as problem solving, accuracy and logic skills which I can continue on to the optometry course. Psychology gives me writing skills as well as being able to construct balanced arguments and draw conclusions from theories and explanations.
Through studying biology, I have been able to acknowledge why the human body develops a disease and how the body tries to fight them off. During my various roles at work placements in the health sector, I have acknowledged that optometry is a profession that will allow me to combine my love for science while interacting with different people on a day to day basis. Having an attention for detail is one of the most mandatory skills for an optometrist, you would look for subtle signs of eye disease to making sure the appearance of the eye is correct.
Working under strict deadlines has allowed me to appreciate that I need to prioritise my workload as well as respect the importance of organisation. I had the privilege of shadowing an optometrist, where I learnt that the autorefractors use x-rays and infrared to give an objective and precise measurement of a person's refractive error (the ability of your eye to see an image clearly). I also learnt the importance of communication between the consultant and the patient, a lack of communication could lead to a misdiagnosis.
Having recognised this, I decided to arrange a work placement at a local pharmacy, where I had the experience of directly speaking to patients, which gave me the sense of responsibility while working under pressure, which is something I surprisingly enjoyed. This captivated me to study optometry at university. My bilingual background would allow me to speak directly to paitents of other cultural backgrounds, for example I am fluent in the Punjab language which gave me the advantage over other colleagues to speak to South Asian customers.
I have completed a various number of MOOCS. One MOOC that really stood out to me was myocardial infarction. This intrigued me as it taught me that red meat, which can increase the risk of a heart attack, also can increase the risk of blindness, which is something optometrists must pay attention to. It also taught me about the sensitivity of the heart, and how a heart patient should be treated, which in turn allows me to empathise with others more. Having empathy for others while working in the health sector is a key skill as some people are diagnosed with lifetime illnesses.
I hope to continue my passion for cooking at university. I have also tried football and singing clubs, even though they are not my best talent, I am willing to give them a go! I am always looking for new opportunities and love to be out of my comfort zone. Having been a cook at home for over 3 years and wanting to pursue a career in optometry, the importance of diligence is not a new concept for me. Even though Chemistry can be very difficult at times, I wish to give it my utmost dedication; since it's an expanding subject where my enjoyment will cease to diminish. One of the activities that has prepared me most for the career of Optometry is being a 'student mentor'. Having the responsibility of giving an hour session of tuition weekly, has shown me that I am proactive and I can be socially competent.
