Making the most of opportunities, learning from challenges and preparing for the next step
Optometry school offers far more than academic learning alone. Often students describe the university experience as overwhelming, particularly when balancing academic demands with personal and professional development.
This session will take attendees through my journey as an optometry undergraduate, reflecting on the experiences that shaped my growth. It will explore my progression from navigating the transition into university and attaining early employment, to contributing to student society initiatives, undertaking a research studentship, presenting at an international conference and preparing for pre-registration training.
Attendees will gain insight into strategies for strengthening their CV, alongside advice on improving interview skills to support securing employment within an optical practice. The transferability of these core skills to wider opportunities, including research, leadership and professional engagement, will be highlighted.
The session will also address specific challenges encountered throughout the degree, including advice on managing stress, balancing competing responsibilities and overcoming unexpected setbacks. It will also reflect on lessons learned from early clinical exposure and how professional skills developed throughout university can be applied in the testing room.
Overall, the webinar aims to inspire current optometry students to take an active role in shaping their university journey and recognise how the experiences they seek today will contribute to becoming confident, well-rounded optometrists of the future.
This webinar is primarily aimed at students; however, it is open to both BCLA members and non-members.
Date & Time
Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 19:00 - 20:00
How to register*
- Log into your BCLA membership account or if you're a non-member create a profile
- Non-members who already have a BCLA profie, log in here
- Click Register at the bottom of the page
- Answer the questions, click Save Response and click Confirm Registration
How to access the webinar online
A Zoom link will be sent via email.
CPD
This session does not have CPD accreditation as the content is aimed at students.
Speaker
Sumeera Haider is a pre-registration optometrist at an independent practice and a recent First-Class Honours graduate from the University of Bradford. During her studies, she served as Vice President and Executive Secretary of the Bradford Ophthalmic Optics Student Association (BOOSA), helping to re-establish the society and deliver academic and social initiatives for optometry students. Alongside her leadership roles, she completed a contact lens related research studentship and presented her work at an international conference. She is passionate about helping students build confidence and maximise their potential early in their optometry journey.
*By registering for the webinar you are agreeing to receiving email communications relating directly to this webinar.