I applied to study at five universities – but I 100% wanted to study at City. I wanted to be at a city-based university and studying in London really appealed to me.

Preena Tanna is an international student from Canada studying on the BSc Optometry course at City University London. She has just completed her first year on the course.  

Why did you choose to study optometry?

I have always wanted to study optometry since I was very young. My sister started wearing spectacles when she was five years old and since then I have always been very curious about sight and vision. As an optometrist you are really helping people and enabling them to have a better standard of life. I find it very satisfying.

Why did you choose to study at City?

I did my undergraduate degree in sciences in Canada. However, in Canada there is only one campus university where you can do your four year optometry degree. I didn't want to study at a campus university so I started to explore options overseas. The thought of leaving home and going to another country was terrifying, but it has been worth it.

I applied to study at five universities - but I 100% wanted to study at City. I wanted to be at a city-based university and studying in London really appealed to me. I also have family in London which has made the transition a lot easier.

Would you recommend any preparation you can do before you start the course?

I think getting some work experience with an optometrist is really helpful. You are given the opportunity to get practical experience and familiarise yourself with some of the technical aspects of optometry. 

What challenges did you face?

The biggest challenge was finding somewhere to live. City's Student Centre were so supportive in helping me find accommodation. I was offered a newly renovated apartment near Farringdon. The halls of residence are really nice and have surpassed my expectations.

How easy was it to settle in?

It has been really easy to settle in - it has really surprised me how easy it has been. It was nerve racking as I was an international student but my personal tutor has been so helpful and is always there if needed. I adore all the staff at City.

The Student Union organise a whole range of clubs, societies and student nights, this has made meeting new people so much easier. I am making new friends all the time.

What advice do you have for new students?

My number one piece of advice is to take advantage of the Student Union they have so much to offer students. I would also say to keep an open mind, and focus on keeping up with your work.

Get involved as much as you can - I am currently the student representative which is great experience for me.

What are the best things about being at university and at City?

I love London it is great being in such a big city. There is so much to do - you have all the museums and galleries at your doorstep and the party scene is great. I live near Farringdon so I can walk everywhere. I can't really put into words how much I love it here, I don't think it would be the same if I was studying in Cardiff or Manchester.

I feel I am part of a big family at City. They have made the transition from high school to university so easy. I feel there is the perfect balance between being supported and learning to work and live independently.

The style of teaching makes the curriculum very accessible. If you have an issue or problem your voice will be heard.

What do you like best about studying in London?

London feels like home. It is a great base for travelling - it can be very expensive to travel from Canada but being in England is fantastic - it is incredible the things you can do here and the opportunities that are available to you.

What skills do you need to be a good optometrist?

You need strong application skills so you can learn the theory and then learn how to apply this and manage patients. It is a different way of studying as you need to remember everything - but the course is structured in a way which means there is an overlap and relationship between the individual modules so you absorb everything.

You need to be fairly sociable and personable as you are working with patients and they need to be comfortable with you.

As a profession optometry is very practical and hands I find that very appealing.

What do you like best about your course?

I really enjoy the practical and clinical labs - you are actually doing what you will go on to do in your career.

Every day is different - but a typical week can include a mixture of classes, lectures, and tutorials. In the practical labs you can be involved in a range of activities from testing dummy eyes to working with specialist equipment for investigation and diagnosis of eye disorders. It is very different from high school, at university you have to be responsible for yourself.

There is a real community feel at City - the cohort of students is just the right size. You are treated as a person and not a number, everyone is very approachable and I have great relationships with my tutors and professors. All the staff are great they really want you to do well from the bottom of their hearts.

What support do you get from City?

I get lots of support. The key thing for me before I started the course was sorting out my accommodation. I was a late applicant so I really needed help; all the staff were very supportive. I was really worried but it was totally fine in the end.

The staff at City are really accommodating - I could not be happier. The admissions tutor, Lynne Weddell is so helpful she has really supported me in the last year.

Are you confident you have the skills to enter the profession?

Studying at City has given me access to a different curriculum and culture, I think this perspective will really help me to practise in Canada.

I am really looking forward to getting involved in the business aspects of owning and running an optometry practice. I think if you are interested in science and business optometry is the perfect career for you - I think it gives you options to explore in both fields.

I am looking forward to my second year and getting involved with further work and volunteer opportunities - there is lots to do and get involved with and get actual hands on experience.

Are you looking forward to entering the world of work?

After the 3 year BSc you need to undertake a pre-registration period where you can develop your skills by practising on actual patients.

After I qualify I hope to return to Canada to open up my own practice. I find the thought of being your own boss really appealing. The profession offers a lot of flexibility once you have established yourself. I am also hoping to get involved with volunteer opportunities; there is currently a project in Africa where you can help children with their sight.

I hope to continue my relationship with City once I have graduated. I would like to specialise as I progress in my career so I am open to postgraduate and research opportunities at City.