2024 Vision: My New Year’s Resolutions as an Optometry Student
After swallowing 12 grapes under the table at midnight, I find myself at the threshold of a fresh chapter, a new year filled with untapped potential and promising opportunities. It’s the perfect time for reflection, growth, and of course, setting goals. In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of my New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically to enhance academic success, professional development, and personal well-being as an optometry student!
Excel in academic pursuits – In order for me to focus on improving on challenging subjects and mastering key clinical skills, I have set specific academic goals for the rest of the year. One of them is for me to have all the tests for Binocular Vision (BV) memorized by the end of this term so that if I have to conduct any BV related tests during my clinic slot, I would not need to refer to my notes. In addition to the goals I’ve set, I have also created a study schedule to evenly spread my online lectures, coursework, and personal time across the week to prevent burnout!
Enhance clinical skills – In clinic, we have some clinical skills and techniques that often require more practice to get the hang of. For me, I’ve identified Retinoscopy (a technique used to figure out the refractive error of one’s eyes and the need for glasses) as one of my poorer techniques in need of refinement, and I’ve reached out to my lecturer-in-charge to allow me, together with some friends, to come back to clinic during our breaks to practise. I also seek out additional clinical volunteering opportunities through the events organized by the school or the course – where I am able to gain diverse experiences and exposure to different patient cases, allowing me to better myself as an optometry student!
Latte art skills I’ve picked up from barista-ing at the cafe!
3. Build a professional network – Optometry is considered a niche within the healthcare field, so networking is very important in our small optometry family. I want to attend more networking events to connect with both professionals and peers in the same field. Through networking, not only am I able to gain valuable advice and guidance from seniors to improve on my skills when I see patients, I am also given the opportunity to interact with professionals from related fields like ophthalmology and general healthcare – of whom I can exchange insights with, allowing me to see things in a different perspective, broadening my horizon.
4. Explore side income opportunities – Finding part-time work opportunities would help me ease financial strain and also give me extra pocket money I can save! As much as I would prefer part-time optometry related work, where I can gain valuable experience by working in the industry, working non-optometry related jobs would also help me grow myself as a person. I used to work as a barista at a local cafe where I was able to make drinks and interact with customers. Most of the time the customers I talked to were really sweet and polite, but the rare occasions where I had encountered a nasty customer were the times I feel like I genuinely experienced growth. Being exposed to people from all walks of life and learning how to deal with different people differently, it not only aids me in understanding how to interact with my own patients in clinic, I was able to grow as a person where I am able to deal with different people outside of clinic life.
5. Prioritize self-care – In my pursuit to become a better optometry student, I am also aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Hence I have incorporated time for friends and family, and time for me to rest, to ensure mental and emotional well-being. I took up colouring as a stress reliever for whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, it is a healthy and therapeutic way for me to regulate my emotions and return to focusing on my priorities!
Embarking on a new year as an optometry student presents an array of possibilities for growth and achievement. By setting these specific and realistic resolutions, I foresee myself making the most of my academic journey and preparing myself for a fulfilling career in optometry. Here’s to a year of learning, development, and clear vision for the future!
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