Holly Graduates & Becomes Our Pre Reg Optometrist

My final year of university was so different from any other year, there were many challenges most of which were made more difficult by the Covid-19 pandemic. All learning was put online with virtual lectures and seminars, and for the practical side of the degree we had reduced numbers of clinics, full PPE had to be worn and social distancing measures adhered to. The university did a great job managing the pandemic while still allowing us to be on campus to meet the GOC requirements in order to obtain our degrees. As well as this, virtual patient episodes helped to increase our knowledge and exposure.

Now that I have graduated I am feeling a sense of relief, it has been a hard 4 years of study and I am proud to have finally completed it. I am also feeling some sadness to be closing this chapter of my life, despite my final year not being ‘normal’ I am already missing the student life.

I have learned and grown so much as a person since going to university, one of the biggest things I will take away from the experience is being able to adapt to any situation. Being ready for anything especially in these uncertain times, university has given me the confidence to deal with what is in front of me no matter how big or small. This is something I will take with me for the rest of my career.

Having worked at Urquhart’s since I was only 16 I feel I have grown up in the business, transitioning from the reception desk to the test room is a very big and exciting time for me. The team have supported me throughout my entire university journey and now into my future career as an Optometrist. The most exciting thing for me beginning full time at Urquhart’s will be seeing the team and patients every day and working with everyone to provide an outstanding level of care. I am sure my Pre Reg year will be the biggest challenge I have faced to date, and I am ready to take it on.

Looking to the future I hope to follow in the footsteps of my colleagues in undertaking the Independent Prescribing qualification to further my knowledge and capabilities.

I hope to see you all in my test room in the near future.

Holly

Pre Reg Optometrist