60 Second Interview: Optometrist

“It’s important to have empathy and patience, which can sometimes be challenging. Remembering to see the person rather than a pair of eyes helps me do this.” Here’s how Karan got started as an optometrist, and why he loves the job.

Name: Karan Vyas 

Company: Specsavers

Industry: Healthcare

What is your job? Optometrist 

How long have you been doing this job? 1 year

Education

Degree subject:

Optometry, University of Bradford

A-levels: Biology, chemistry, maths and history

1. What was your very first job?

I was an optical assistant at an independent opticians in Bradford.

2. What did you want to do when you were at school?

To be quite frank, I had no idea! I was involved in many different areas when I was at school, from writing and photography, to science and coding. I knew I wanted to do something that was different each day, but I was yet to pick a field.

3. How did you find out about the industry?

I knew about the world of optometry from a very young age. Having needed glasses since I was 11, I was quite the regular at the opticians (optometrists).

4. How did you get there?

When picking my A-Levels I had no clue what I wanted to do so, my choice of subjects allowed me to encompass as many different career avenues as possible. I chose: maths, biology, chemistry and history.

Initially I chose to study biomechanical engineering, but within a few weeks I was unsure. Then during a random conversation with a friend, we talked about optometry and suddenly, a light bulb flicked on and I started researching.

The application process was quite simple, being done through UCAS. You’ll need to have good grades, especially in the sciences, and most universities do an interview to help pick their students because of the competitive nature of the course.

During my studies at Bradford University, I managed to get involved in every aspect of optometry. This included helping run the university’s optometry society, becoming a member of the Association of Optometrists (or AOP, which is free – a big bonus when you are a student) and writing for their journal, Optometry Today.

I also got a Saturday job at an independent opticians called I Wear Opticians, and did a summer placement at Boots Opticians in Taunton. All of this helped form a sense of direction of where I wanted to take my career.

I started to apply for a pre-registration post (which in simple terms is a training position before you become fully qualified) in my second year of university and in the end chose to work at Tesco Opticians in Leicester. Under my supervisor, I learned how to put my skills into practice, and went through the many examinations involved during this year. I also took on the role as the AOP’s pre-registration Councillor allowing me to get involved further in helping represent the needs and views of my peers. At this point I moved from Tesco Opticians to my current role as a resident optometrist at Specsavers Opticians in Corby.

5. What is a typical day like?

First of all I should mention every optical practice is very different. I work in a very large team, including other optometrists, dispensing opticians and numerous optical assistants. We also work within the wider healthcare community which includes GPs, ophthalmologists and nurses. Most of my day is filled with routine eye and contact lens examinations. However, I also carry out more enhanced clinical work including post cataract examinations, glaucoma referral refinement appointments and more recently minor eye care appointments.

This may seem like a repetitive working life, however, working within Corby Specsavers, I can honestly say every day is different. I deal with a number of complicated cases and a high number of patients who have numerous chronic conditions, all of which can impact the eye. Therefore, we have to be prepared to see all manner of conditions.

6. What’s the best thing about your job?

The best part of my job is the unpredictability and the job satisfaction, especially ensuring patients are happy with the service. No two days are the same and that makes my line of work interesting.

7. What is the most challenging thing about your job?

It’s important to have empathy and patience, which can sometime be challenging. However, remembering to see the person rather than a pair of eyes helps me do this. Caring for your patients is important and is what makes a good optometrist a great optometrist.

8. What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?

The role of the optometrist is changing as is all aspects of healthcare. One of the main things you can do is to go to your local opticians for work experience. This will give you an idea of how optometry works and give you an insight into some of changes that are occurring.

9. What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?

I wish I had known more about the changes occurring in optometry before I started as I feel I would have been able to better prepare. I would also ideally have undertaken some work experience in other areas of optometry such as hospital optometry.

10. Where would you like to be in 5 years?

I would like to be doing some higher courses (which are specialisation courses) and looking to do my independent prescribing qualification which enhances your clinical skills and responsibilities.

Main image via Pixabay