Introduction

Embarking on an optometry degree is an exciting and challenging journey. As a first-year student, you are stepping into a field that combines academic learning with practical skills. This guide is designed to help you navigate the clinical aspects of your optometry degree, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident in your abilities.

Written by Jason Searle, an experienced optometrist and associate lecturer within an optometry degree programme, this post offers valuable tips to help you excel in your clinical sessions. Whether it’s understanding the importance of pre-work, maximising your clinical time, or practicing at home, these insights will set you on the path to success in your optometry degree.

1) Know Your Pre-Work

Before each clinical session, it’s essential to review any pre-work or explanations provided by your instructors. This preparation will give you a head start and prevent any surprises during the session. Being well-prepared allows you to confidently perform tasks without waiting for a supervisor’s demonstration. This proactive approach is crucial for success in your optometry degree – as well as develop good habits for when you qualify as an optometrist.

Attending pre-practical or clinical sessions, such as lectures and seminars, is equally important. Being prepared maximises your limited time in the skills lab, ensuring you get the most out of each session. This preparation is a key component of excelling in your optometry degree, where you’ll never feel like you have enough time to practice your clinical skills.

2) Arrive Early and Be Prepared

Punctuality is a key aspect of the professionalism component of your optometry degree. Arriving early allows you to attend pre-clinical briefings and sets a positive tone for the day. Patients and supervisors alike appreciate a student who is on time and ready to work. This habit is essential for your future career as an optometrist – so developing it now helps to set you up for your role beyond university.

3) Maximise Your Clinical Time

To make the most of your clinical time, it’s important to be fully engaged and prepared. Arriving late or skipping pre-work means missing valuable opportunities to learn and practice. Use your time wisely by focusing on the tasks at hand and minimizing distractions. This approach is vital for your success within your optometry degree.

Socialising is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your education. Balancing social interactions with your clinical responsibilities ensures you make the most of your time in the clinic, benefiting your overall optometry degree experience. One of the key frustrations of any lecturer or supervisor during practical sessions is that of a group of students that would rather chat than use the time to develop their clinical skills.

4) Dress the Part for Your Optometry Degree

Adhering to your university’s professional dress code is essential for setting the right tone in the clinic. Wearing appropriate attire signals that you are serious about your work and helps put you in a professional mindset. This is a crucial aspect of your journey through your optometry degree – and beyond.

5) Say “No” to Distractions

While phones and tablets can be useful for note-taking, they can also be a source of distraction. Staying focused on developing your professional skills is crucial. Avoid letting technology disrupt your learning process or your interactions with colleagues and patients. This focus is essential for making the most of the contact time set during your optometry degree.

Maintaining focus during clinical sessions ensures you get the most out of your time and helps you develop the skills needed for your optometry degree. Prioritise your tasks and minimise distractions to enhance your learning experience.

Additionally, be aware that phones and tablets may provide a risk to sensitive patient data, so follow your lecturers’ and supervisors’ guidance regarding phone use in clinic.

6) Reflect and Grow Throughout Your Optometry Degree

After each clinical session, take time to reflect on what you learned and what you could improve. Writing reflective pieces is an essential part of your optometry degree (and your overall learning in general), helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement. This practice aligns with the General Optical Council’s requirements for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

7) Use Spare Clinical Time Wisely

When you finish tasks early, use the extra time to practice other skills (but make sure you gain your clinical supervisor’s permission). This proactive approach ensures you make the most of your tuition fees and clinical opportunities. Utilising every available moment in the clinic benefits you during your optometry degree journey.

Practicing additional skills during spare time helps reinforce your learning and prepares you for future clinical challenges. Make the most of every opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge. This dedication will serve you well throughout your optometry degree – as well as when you look to develop your qualifications after you qualify.

8) Practice at Home

Even without all the clinical equipment at home, you can still practice core skills. Using inexpensive tools like an occluder or pen torch allows you to hone your abilities. Be creative and safe in your practice to reinforce the principles you learn during your optometry degree. I have also written a blog post on how to do this on a budget!

Practicing at home helps you stay engaged with your studies and improves your proficiency. Finding ways to practice outside the clinic ensures continuous learning and skill development. This commitment is key to excelling in your optometry degree and continuing your development as an optometrist.

9) Ask Questions and Seek Feedback Throughout Your Optometry Degree

Never hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. Seeking feedback from supervisors and peers is crucial for growth. Constructive criticism helps you improve and avoid cementing mistakes into your routines. Your clinical supervisors and lecturers expect questions and will not think you are silly for asking a stupid question – as there are no stupid questions! This openness is not only vital for your development during your optometry degree, but for your development as an optometrist too!

10) Subscribe to The Eye Care Advocate For Useful Optometry Degree-Related Content

Subscribing to The Eye Care Advocate offers numerous benefits for students pursuing an optometry degree. Our platform is dedicated to providing valuable insights, tips, and resources tailored specifically for optometry students. By subscribing, you’ll be updated when posts are released, such as:

• How-to-guides on common clinical tests and procedures – such as our guides on retinoscopy and the cover test.
  
• Advice from those who currently work as an optometrist, providing real-life scenarios for you to develop from.
  
• Notifications when a new resource has been released (such as The Eye Care Advocate’s eStudy Guide: History and Symptoms: The Eye Examination).
  
• Plus more insightful articles into optometry and professional development.

So please – if you are an optometry student that wishes to excel during their optometry degree, please subscribe and add The Eye Care Advocate to your list of resources to help you with your studies. Our subscribing box is below!

Conclusion

Embarking on an optometry degree is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your clinical sessions and beyond. Remember, preparation, punctuality, and a proactive attitude are key to making the most of your time in the clinic. Reflect on your experiences, seek feedback, and continuously strive to improve. Your dedication and hard work will pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in optometry. Stay committed, stay curious, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Here’s to your success in your optometry degree and beyond!