Tell us about your journey through education so far.
Nadine Joyce: I originally studied ophthalmic dispensing at Glasgow Caledonian University and after completing two years I internally transferred to the optometry course where I graduated with a first class honours at the end of June this year.
The OD Black Award is presented annually to the top optometry graduate in dedication of Oscar D Black, founder of the opticians which later merged to create Black and Lizars.
I was delighted to have won it as I put so much work into my studies over the past few years. When I was in my third year I was presented with the Topcon Award for the same thing, so it was nice to have won them both.
What are you hoping to achieve having finished your studies?
NJ: My next challenge is to complete my pre-registration year. I went for my interview with Black and Lizars in late January 2015 and was informed a few weeks later that I had been offered one of the three pre-reg positions available. I knew from the beginning when I was applying for pre-reg positions that Black and Lizars was who I favoured and so I accepted immediately. I love how patient-orientated the company is. We take time with each individual patient and give them an enhanced eye exam, which they love.
When studying I was extremely interested in binocular vision and amblyopia, which is what I completed my final year project on. I’m very fortunate that in our practice we have an orthoptist and I’m hoping she can help further my knowledge as I’m hoping one day to return to university to complete a PhD in an area of binocular vision.
Nadine Joyce receives her award from Black & Lizars’ managing director, Michelle Le Prevost
What excites you about your future in the profession?
NJ: Entering the profession is quite daunting, the pre-registration year seems very intense and it is going to take a lot of dedication and hard work to do well, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming challenges and hopefully seeing a great outcome.
It’s such a great time to be entering optometry, new developments are on the go constantly, our practice has an OCT and an Optos ultra-wide imager which I think is just incredible as it allows you to see so much more detail. We also fit a lot of hospital contact lens patients which I’ve sat in on and it’s really interesting and educational.
I would love to own my own practice in many years to come but right now I’m too happy testing and helping patients to worry about that.
What are the main challenges?
NJ: I feel the biggest challenge for young optometrists is the initial jump from being completely dependent on your university supervisors to being confident in your test room on your own.
The final year in university is very clinic orientated and you see a wide range of patients but as we finish university in April and don’t begin our pre-reg until July/August, so it is a very long time not to be testing. As a result the first few patients can be quite rusty, which is why I got my family in to test on my first day.
What advice would you pass on to those still studying?
NJ: I’d say to younger students to study hard, not leave everything to the last minute, be organised and to enjoy it. If you get the chance to volunteer abroad do it.
In August last year I went to South Africa with friends from the university to volunteer on the Phelophepa Train of Hope in the eye clinic and it was the most humbling thing I’ve ever done, helping people far less fortunate than ourselves. It really opened my eyes and confirmed that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.