As a pratising optometrist and an educator, I have the unique privilege of seeing our profession from two distinct angles. I see the seasoned clinicians navigating the complexities of daily practice, and I see the bright, eager students taking their very first steps on that same path. I know that the university clinic can be an intimidating place. It’s where theory meets reality, and the desire to impress your supervisors with your optometry clinical skills is immense. They are the gatekeepers of your progress, the mentors shaping your future, and the first professional colleagues you will work alongside.

Building a positive, productive relationship with them is one of the most important things you can do during your degree. It’s not about being the ‘teacher’s pet’; it’s about demonstrating the professional habits that will define your career.

This guide is designed to give you ten practical, real-world tips to help you shine in your clinical sessions, make a lasting positive impression, and, most importantly, create the best possible environment for developing your optometry clinical skills.

1) Punctuality: The First Test of Your Professionalism

Being on time is more than just a courtesy. It is the first and simplest way to signal your respect for the session, your peers, and your supervisors. Clinical sessions are meticulously planned. Arriving late can disrupt this careful balance.

Often, you will be working in pairs. Your lateness means a colleague is left without a partner, hindering their learning. Aim to be there five to ten minutes early. This gives you time to settle and attend the pre-clinical briefing without rushing.

This habit of punctuality is a cornerstone of professionalism. It is a non-negotiable expectation in your future career, so start building that reputation now. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show you are serious about honing your optometry clinical skills.

2) Preparation: Arrive Ready to Engage and Learn

You are training for a professional career. This means arriving ready to work, both mentally and physically. Dress the part. Wearing your professional attire, whether it’s formal wear or scrubs, helps you step into the mindset of a clinician. It shows respect for the environment and for the patients you may encounter. Think about it from a patient’s perspective. You want to inspire their confidence. Proper attire is a key part of that first impression.

Completing your pre-reading is equally crucial. Nothing frustrates a supervisor more than having to spend precious clinic time explaining basic principles. This is particularly true if they have provided a lecture and issued you with the pre-reading for it. They have planned the session assuming you have this knowledge. Your preparation ensures you can maximise your time practising your optometry clinical skills.

3) Listening: The Importance of the Clinical Briefing

The briefing at the start of a clinical session is not just a formality. It is an integral part of the lesson plan. Your supervisors are providing a roadmap for the tasks ahead.

Pay close attention. This is where they will outline objectives and give specific instructions. They may highlight key safety protocols you need to follow. For example, you may need direct supervision for certain procedures. Ignoring these instructions can cause unnecessary stress for everyone.

Listening intently ensures you are on the right track from the start. It saves you from asking for individual instructions later. Your supervisors will appreciate your focus. This attentiveness is one of your key optometry clinical skills.

4) Independent Learning: A Core Part of Your Optometry Clinical Skills

University learning is a significant step up from your previous studies. The expectation is that you will become an independent learner. This is a skill you will need for your entire career. Do not expect to be spoon-fed every single answer.

Take the initiative. Research the topic before your session begins. This deepens your understanding. It allows you to ask more insightful and informed questions.

A student who asks a question that makes me stop and think demonstrates a genuine desire to learn. It shows engagement. This proactive approach will impress your supervisors. It also helps you build a solid foundation of knowledge. This independent spirit is vital for mastering your optometry clinical skills and becoming a competent practitioner.

5) Tidiness: One of the Most Important Factors When Honing Your Optometry Clinical Skills

Your clinical station is your professional workspace. Treat it with respect. Always start your session by washing your hands thoroughly. Maintain high standards of hygiene throughout. This is not a box-ticking exercise. It is an essential part of infection control and patient safety. Get into this habit now so it becomes second nature.

After you have finished with a piece of equipment, put it back where you found it. An organised space allows everyone to work efficiently. At the end of the session, leave your station as tidy as you would expect to find it. This shows respect for your supervisors, technicians, and the students who will use the space after you. It is a simple but powerful professional courtesy.

As someone that supervises these clinics, it will fall to me to tidy up after your optometry clinical skills sessions and the less time I spend tidying up after you is more time I have creating useful learning materials – keep that in mind!

6) Equipment Care: One of the Most Underrated Optometry Clinical Skills?

This should be common sense, but it bears repeating. Always turn off equipment when you are not actively using it. Slit lamps, ophthalmoscopes, and retinoscopes generate heat and consume a significant amount of energy.

Being mindful of this shows you are responsible. It also has a very practical benefit. The specialist bulbs in much of our optometry equipment are expensive. They also have a limited lifespan. Leaving instruments switched on for prolonged periods causes these bulbs to burn out much faster. This costs the university department time and money in replacements. A simple flick of a switch can keep a vital piece of equipment working for years to come. This careful handling of tools is an understated but important aspect of good clinical practice.

7) Respect: The Foundation of a Professional Relationship

The vast majority of students are naturally respectful. However, it is important to consciously cultivate this in your interactions. Your lecturers and supervisors are seasoned professionals. They have a wealth of clinical experience. They are there to pass this knowledge on to you. Trust their judgement.

Optometry is not always black and white. There can be multiple valid techniques to achieve a goal. Your supervisors will teach you the methods that are clinically appropriate. Avoid playing supervisors off against each other if their approaches differ slightly. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn different ways of working. This adaptability will be invaluable in your future career. Respecting their expertise will build a strong, positive working relationship.

8) Learning from Feedback: A Key to Developing Optometry Clinical Skills

You will always impress a supervisor by performing a technique competently. However, we are even more impressed by a student who can learn and grow. Contrary to what some students may think, we want you to succeed. A student failing an assessment reflects poorly on us as educators too.

The feedback we provide is designed to help you. It highlights your weaknesses so you can improve. Passing your exams is about ensuring you are safe and competent. If you are asked to repeat a task you have already been signed off on, do not get defensive. See it as another chance to practice and demonstrate your competence. You will be performing these techniques daily for your entire career.

Embracing feedback is vital for honing your optometry clinical skills. You cannot be an excellent clinician without reflecting on your feedback – be it good, bad or neutral.

9) Professionalism: Upholding the Highest Standards

Your professionalism extends beyond the clinic walls. It is about your attitude and your integrity. Approach your learning with humility and an eagerness to improve. Be open to constructive criticism. Your supervisors are there to help you, not to belittle you. Use their feedback to build on your strengths.

Optometry is also a collaborative profession. Engage with your peers. Share insights and learn from each other. Uphold the highest ethical standards at all times. Honesty and integrity are paramount. If you do not know something, admit it. Ask for help. This is a sign of strength, not weakness. Dishonesty can have serious consequences with the GOC. Your professional reputation starts now.

10) Going Beyond the Curriculum: The Mark of a Future Leader

Your supervisors love to get to know you as individuals. Your life experiences and interests can enrich your professional persona. Stay curious. Optometry is a field that is constantly evolving.

Read journals from bodies like Optometry Today from The AOP and The College of Optometrists. Attend conferences when you can. This shows you have your finger on the pulse. It demonstrates a commitment to your professional development.

Networking is also incredibly important. Connect with professionals beyond your university. Engage with students from other optometry programmes. The world of UK optometry is small. The connections you make now can open doors for you in the future. This proactive engagement shows us that you are not just a student, but a future leader in the field.

Conclusion: Your Professional Journey Starts Here

Building a strong relationship with your supervisors isn’t about perfection; it’s about professionalism. The tips in this guide, from punctuality to respect, are the habits that will define your future career.

Your supervisors are your first mentors and are invested in your success. By embracing their guidance and approaching every session with a desire to learn, you create the perfect environment to master your optometry clinical skills.

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, work hard, and remember that every step you take in the university clinic is a step towards becoming the excellent clinician you aspire to be.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you found this article useful, please consider subscribing below. I also have a free SKILLS CENTRE, covering a lot of the optometry clinical skills you learn during your undergraduate years. It requires a free membership but I have been told that it is worth it.

The success of The Eye Care Advocate is heavily dependent on it reaching its intended audiences – so please share these tips with your colleagues, coursemates and networks – as every visit motivates me to create more content.