Pre-reg year: Entering the workplace

Swapping the comfortable surroundings of a university classroom for the bright lights of a working practice can be a daunting prospect for any optometry student. After forming new friendships and getting to grips with the geography of your temporary home, you are sent to embark on a pre-registration year – something which can feel like a major shakeup.

It is widely believed that a placement year is a fantastic opportunity for students to test the knowledge they have gained at university. The chance to interact with patients and develop relationships is one of the key areas where aspiring optometrists are encouraged to use their initiative and evolve their own ‘style’. But, how great is the transition from the classroom to the practice and what can prospective students expect?