Category: Pre-Registration Optometrists
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Should I Locum? The Pros & Cons of Being a Locum Optometrist
As a newly qualified optometrist, you might be wondering, “Should I locum, or should I accept an employed role?” This decision can greatly influence your early career, so it’s important to consider your options carefully. There are many aspects to consider – far beyond the “I want to locum because they get paid loads!” We’ll…
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Advice for Student Optometrists: Tips I Wish I’d Listened To
I’ll start by admitting that I’m a worrier. My parents, family, classmates, university colleagues, pre-registration supervisors, and even my current colleagues have all pointed this out. If there’s a chance something could go wrong, I’ll worry about it. Therefore it should come as no shock that my Google history had many queries involving the words…
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“But I Don’t Do Low Vision”: Moving Beyond Magnification
In this guest post, Daniel Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy, discusses the view of accessibility of low vision services beyond magnification. Understanding Low Vision Care Many opticians, optometrists, and even staff within the practice still think that low vision care is all about magnification. It’s not. While magnifiers are important tools, the…
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The Near Point of Convergence: Bringing the Eyes Together
The near point of convergence (NPC) is an important measurement in optometry, often overlooked by those both inside and outside the field. It’s a measure of how well the eyes can converge, or turn inward, to maintain single vision when looking at a close object. This simple yet effective test can diagnose a range of…
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Physical Safety in Optometry: Keeping Safe at Work
When you think about optometry, your mind probably goes to eye health, prescriptions, and patient care. But have you ever considered your own physical safety in optometry and how it can affect your career? From maintaining proper posture during slit lamp exams to handling equipment safely, small habits can make a big difference in preventing…
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Soft Contact Lens Fitting: Assessing the Fit of Soft Lenses
In this guide, we will walk through the essential steps and tests involved in assessing the fit during a soft contact lens fitting. It is a crucial skill that ensures patients experience both comfort and clear vision, whilst keeping their eyes healthy. Understanding the full fitting process can help you provide the best care for…
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LOFTSEA – A Vital Tool in History Taking
I remember when I first started in primary care clinics during my pre-registration year. There were so many questions to ask, and I felt overwhelmed. Testing members of the public made me nervous too. Then I took the time to really undertand the LOFTSEA mnemonic, and it soon became a real help. It allowed me…
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Eyecare Conference Glasgow 2025: A Rewarding Experience
Attending the Eyecare Conference Glasgow was an absolute delight. Held at the Hilton Hotel on January 19th and 20th, the event was a vibrant gathering of eye care professionals from all corners. From the moment I stepped into the venue, the buzz of excitement was palpable. Old friends reunited, and new connections were made over…
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The Procrastination Problem: Understanding and Overcoming It
This week, The Eye Care Advocate welcomes the insightful Andy Millington, an experienced optometrist and lecturer, who is discussing the problem that faces nearly all optometrists – students and qualified alike – procrastination. Andy also can be found on Instagram as @TheDissertationGuy – a fantastic account for optometry students completing written coursework and facing their…
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Master The OSCEs: Tips for Pre-Registration Optometrists
What are OSCEs? An OSCE, or Objective Structured Clinical Examination, is a practical test that checks your clinical skills in real-life situations. Instead of a traditional exam, in OSCEs you’ll move through a series of stations, each presenting a different task. These tasks mirror common scenarios you’ll face as an optometrist in the UK, from…