I still remember it. The mix of pure excitement and absolute terror. After two years of lectures, labs, and practising on long-suffering friends, the moment had finally arrived: seeing your first patient. It is, without a doubt, the most transformative rite of passage in any optometrist’s career. It’s the moment the theory becomes real, the textbook diagrams become a living, breathing person in your chair, and your journey as a clinician truly begins.

As an optometrist that works with pre-registration optometrists and students, I see that same feeling in my students today. The pressure can feel immense. You might find yourself fumbling to adjust the slit lamp or your mind going blank on the right questions to ask.

Please, hear me when I say this: that is completely normal. Every single one of us has been there. This guide is designed to give you the practical strategies and the reassurance you need to turn that nerve-wracking moment of seeing your first patient into a confident and successful first step.

Seeing Your First Patient and the Power of Preparation

Confidence is not something you magically acquire; it’s something you build, piece by piece. The foundation of that confidence is laid long before you call your patient in.

Your self-care is the first, crucial step. It may sound simple, but getting a good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. A tired mind makes everything ten times harder, and looking fresh and alert instantly inspires more confidence in your patient. This extends to your professional appearance. Adhering to your university’s dress code isn’t just about rules; it’s about mentally stepping into the role. When you look the part, you start to feel the part.

“When you look the part, you feel the part”

Jason Searle – The Eye Care Advocate

Equally important is preparing your environment. University clinics can be unfamiliar. Take five minutes before the session starts to take ownership of your space. Know where the light switches are (as you’ll be using them constantly!) Adjust the slit lamp to your height and focus the oculars. Lay out your equipment. By controlling these small variables, you reduce your own anxiety and create a smoother, more efficient experience.

These preparatory steps are fundamental to success when seeing your first patient, as they allow you to focus on the person, not the process.

Doing Your Homework: A Smoother Experience When Seeing Your First Patient

One of the biggest sources of anxiety is the fear of the unknown. You can significantly reduce this by doing your homework on the two things you can know beforehand: your patient’s records and your record-keeping system. Even if you are not allowed to see a returning patient’s full history, you will likely have a name and an age. This is valuable information! A 70-year-old patient will have a different set of likely needs and conversational touchpoints than a 20-year-old. Use what you have to start building a mental picture.

Understanding the record card, whether it’s paper or electronic, is just as vital. Know where you need to record the history, the VAs, and the prescription. Some electronic systems have quirks that can trip you up and make you look flustered if you’re not prepared for them. Taking the time to familiarise yourself with the layout and flow of the records will make you appear more organised and confident.

A smooth and efficient routine is one of the best tools at your disposal when seeing your first patient, and it starts with this simple preparation.

The Human Connection: Communication and Empathy

Ultimately, seeing your first patient is not just a clinical task; it’s a human interaction. This is often the part that causes the most anxiety, but it’s also where you can truly shine.

Your fellow students are your greatest resource here. You are all in the same boat. Use each other. Practice explaining common conditions in simple, layman’s terms. Role-play taking a case history. The more you practice the words out loud, the more naturally they will come to you in the test room.

Remember that empathy is your most powerful tool. The patient in your chair might also be nervous. A warm smile and a clear, simple explanation of what you are about to do can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m just going to double-check this with my supervisor.” It doesn’t show weakness; it shows diligence and that you are putting their care first.

Your ability to connect on a human level is just as important as your clinical skill, especially when seeing your first patient. For more in-depth advice, my History and Symptoms Study Guide is a resource designed specifically to help with this.

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now

The moment you walk your first patient out of the test room, you will likely feel a huge wave of relief. You did it. It might not have been perfect, but it was real. This is a defining moment where you have a choice: to focus on the mistakes and let self-doubt creep in, or to embrace it as an incredible learning opportunity.

Every single optometrist you admire has stood exactly where you are now. By preparing diligently, focusing on the human connection, and being kind to yourself, you can ensure the experience of seeing your first patient is not an ordeal to

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