Alex is an UG Optometry Student. She is enjoying her time at City forging new friendships and is even working to obtain a pilot's license!
How did you develop an interest in Optometry?
Initially aiming to study veterinary medicine at university, I developed an interest in studying optometry when I began working at a local optician’s practice. I have always found the anatomy of the eye fascinating and I realised what a fulfilling career optometry can be.
Why did you choose to study at City, University of London?
I wanted to continue to work at this optician’s and live at home whilst studying at university in order to save money, so I needed a university that I could easily commute to. That’s where City came in! I was also attracted by the fact that City has such a longstanding and successful Optometry course.
What has been a highlight on the course of yourself?
Completing a full sight test routine in my assessment at the end of second year was a big highlight for me as it showed how far I’ve come and gave me a taste of what things will be like when I qualify.
How have you found the teaching on your course?
All of the staff at City, University of London have been incredibly supportive throughout the course, always on hand to help out when needed, as well as having a laugh a lot of the time!
What kind of things are you involved in outside your course?
Outside of university, I am currently working towards obtaining my private pilot’s license as well as my motorbike license. I also spend a lot of time training my family’s rescue puppy and walking my dogs.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at City?
My time at City has been an incredible opportunity to meet and spend time with new people forging friendships along the way.
What are you looking most forward to during the rest of your time at City, University of London?
I’m especially looking forward to the more clinical aspect of third year as it will allow me to put into practice all of the knowledge we’ve learnt so far over the past two years. The opportunity to work with patients and get a taste of real life optometry will be extremely valuable for the future.
What do you plan to do after your graduate?
After graduating I intend to complete my pre-registration year in a high street practice and hope to also work in a hospital Optometry environment in the future.
What would be your advice to anyone considering studying BSc Optometry?
For anyone considering studying BSc Optometry, my advice would be to research the universities that offer it, looking at the campus and the university itself as well as the course specifics. Apart from that, I’d tell them to enjoy the time at university while they have it (and get some work in during first year!).
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