After graduating with my BSc Hons Optometry degree last year (2023), I was able to enrol on the Scheme for Registration with the College of Optometrists, which is the path to becoming a fully qualified Optometrist. The Scheme for Registration is an intense period of working full time under supervision with a qualified Optometrist, while also studying for regular assessments. The assessments cover 75 different clinical competencies. Once you have passed the competencies and completed a placement in the Eye Hospital, you are invited to sit the final examinations, the OSCEs (Oral Structured Clinical Examinations) which take place in London. 

I was fortunate to have my Dad, Matthew Horrocks, OH 1975-85, who is an Optometrist, be my supervisor (the assessments are externally done). Working alongside my Dad has been a dream come true for me. Anyone who knows me, will know that I have wanted to be an Optometrist from a young age.  What they may not know is that my obsession with the subject was inspired by watching my Dad's passion and dedication to his job and patients. 

It was a tough year, but it was also very rewarding. I particularly enjoyed the two week placement at Hull Eye Hospital, where I was lucky enough to shadow the Hospital Optometrists and Consultants. I am very grateful to the hospital for having received that opportunity as it was an invaluable experience that helped me gain confidence in managing my own patients, and learn some new skills too. I hope to do some hospital optometry work in the future.

The OSCEs were tough - a set of 16 individual timed stations that could assess any of the 75 competencies I had demonstrated throughout the year. I was quite nervous before the assessments, but was also excited to sit them too, as once passed, I would be qualified. I nervously awaited the results and a month later found out that I had passed and was now a fully qualified Optometrist! 

I am super excited to be qualified and I am really enjoying working alongside my Dad. Now that I am qualified I plan on doing further qualifications within optometry, I am currently working on the MECS accreditation which allows me to take part in the Community Urgent Eyecare Scheme, but after that I might take a short break from studying, or I will start working towards the Independent Prescribing diploma, we'll see!

I am extremely grateful to all my friends, family (especially my parents), colleagues and teachers who have supported me in completing this achievement.

Isabelle Horrocks, OH 2010-20

Related Articles:

• Optoversity Challenge 2023
• Graduation Hall of Fame 2023