One common misconception is that an optometry society just organises socials (in the form of nights out, etc). While we do that occasionally, the work of an optometry society is so much more than that. As well as our social events, we have a massive role in supporting students in their professional development and through their pre-registration applications.
As you may know, the multiples (ie Specsavers, Vision Express and Boots) have pre-registration deadlines at the start of second year. Therefore, it is essential that students not only understand all the options that are open to them, but they also have support so that they can submit a competitive application. This is where the society comes in. While we work closely with the academic team, they like to remain impartial when it comes to pre-registration applications and career pathways. Hence, the responsibility for organising talks, interviews and support sessions falls under the society.
We have an excellent working relationship with optical companies (including the multiples), local businesses and also the professional bodies (Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists). We also keep in touch with our alumni, who are often keen to support our events. As a result, we are able to provide professional events all year round and students are invited to these from their first day, in first year.
This year, we arranged for Specsavers, Vision Express and Boots to visit the university. These companies usually visit us in October to talk about their pre-registration packages and the application timescale.
We usually then arrange for them to come back in November/December to conduct their central interviews and shortlisting with students. As well as the large multiples, this year we were very keen for independent practice to be represented alongside the offerings of the multiples. Therefore, we arranged for Peter Noakes of Noakes, Habermehl and Kerr Opticians and the Association for Independent Optometrists to come in and speak to students about opportunities within the independent sector. This gave students a wealth of information during a very vital period and gave an insight into the excellent work of the independent sector.
More generally, we also arrange ‘Pathways’ evenings with local optometrists and the Association of Optometrists, to speak to all students about the pathways open to them after graduation. For second years, these run nicely alongside the pre-registration talks but they are useful for all years in showing them the vast amount of opportunities within the optical sector. We usually invite representatives from the high street, hospital (which many students will not have heard about prior to the talk), domiciliary, academia and the optical manufacturing sector.
Plymouth Optometry Society
In January, we also organised a ‘Domiciliary Taster Experience’ trip with OutsideClinic, giving students an insight into an area of optometry they might have otherwise not considered. A small group of second and third year students attended this unique experience and feedback was very positive.
OutsideClinic event
These events provide a great insight into the different pathways within optometry and also provide a networking opportunity. As well as ensuring students have all of the options, we also support them by hosting CV and interview skills workshops and advice. We have an excellent relationship with several optical recruiters, including Vivid Optical and Prospect Health.
OutsideClinic event
One of the big draws to these events is the fact we give away a lot of free pizza, which is always a hit with students. In most cases, our sponsors are willing to pay for this and this year, we have given away around £1,000 of pizza.
Social Events
Another big part of what we do are, of course, social events. The notorious ‘Freshers’ week is when the academic year begins and with over 70 new students to welcome to the city each year, we work hard to put on a range of events to allow new first year students to get to know each other and also, get to know students in the other year groups. This, in itself, is also really beneficial as it builds a support network for new students. Freshers’ week events include bar crawls, themed socials as well as meals and bowling nights.
Bowling
Our biggest social event, however, is our end of year ‘Eyeball’. Held annually, it seeks to celebrate the achievements of both students and staff. This year, the Specsavers Eyeball 2019 held at the New Continental Hotel, was attended by 190 students, staff and guests.
Eyeball
This is Plymouth’s biggest yet and is around double the number of attendees from two years ago. The evening was ‘Casino Royale’ themed and featured casino tables, live music, a magician, a three course meal, a DJ, an awards ceremony and a charity raffle.
Casino Royale
The charity raffle gave away over £4,000 worth of raffle prizes and raised over £950 for the society’s chosen charity, Fight for Sight. Combined with a pub quiz and cake sale, this takes the society’s total fundraising to just under £1,200 this year.
Eyeball
Sports
Throughout the year, we hold fun challenges and we have a football team, ‘OpSoc Eyeballers’ who play regularly in the SU league. Sponsored by Hoya Lens UK, the team’s duochrome inspired kit is shown below.
One of our biggest achievements this year has been bringing back Opfest. Until recently, the Opfest weekend was the highlight of the social calendar for all optometry societies. After a three year absence of the interuniversity event, Plymouth OpSoc worked with Cardiff OpSoc and Glasgow Caledonian OpSoc to bring back the event in March. The weekend, hosted in Plymouth, included a day of competitive sports, as well as a meal and an evening social.
Opfest
Bringing back Opfest was one of my goals as President and I’m proud of my committee (namely our Sports and Social Secretaries) for Plymouth being able to host.
Opfest
While the event is on a smaller scale from many years ago, it is hoped that we can carry on, with the links we’ve made this year, to encourage more universities to join.
Opfest
Luke McRoy-Jones is the president of Plymouth Optometry Society. He also works with the Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists as a student representative.
