Grace Burke – Optometry Student

As a secondary school student I was mainly interested in science subjects however I also found that healthcare appealed to me. I was, as with many other people, unsure as to which course I wished to pursue. I looked at many options and decided to study Optometry at DIT, and I am very happy I did so.

Optometry gave me the opportunity to study an area which involves being highly trained to perform skilled and specialised techniques. It also involves a great deal of interaction with the public which I very much enjoy. The course consists of both practical and theoretical material taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields, adding to the knowledge base available to students.

I am a final year student and I have enjoyed work placement with a qualified optometrist in practice, a number of hospital placements and not to mention the day to day exposure to the national optometry centre which is located directly next to the campus in Kevin Street. It is an absolutely great facility available to students and provides the very latest research equipment available to enable the very best training possible.

The modules are very engaging, combining both elements of theory and practical work. Material taught covers a wide range of eye care topics and it has given me the option to pursue specialist practice such as contact lenses, low vision or sports vision in future should I so wish.

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who are at all times approachable and always willing to assist in any way they can.

With an optometry degree the opportunities are vast. Students may continue on to further study, set up their own practice or can travel abroad with their degree.

Conor Reynolds – Optometry Student

In secondary school my greatest interest was in Science and in particular Biology. At school I took Biology for Leaving Cert and I found that I enjoyed studying about the body and the various other topics involved. This led me to think about studying a health science course in college.

After completing the Leaving Cert I was still very unsure as to what college course I wanted to study. I decided to take a year out and make sure I made the right decision for my future. During this year I decided that Optometry at DIT was the course for me as it seemed to be a very practical course where I could work with people in a clinical setting while continuing my interest in science.

Since beginning Optometry over 3 years ago I have really enjoyed the practical aspects of the course. In first year I started practicing the many different optometric techniques involved in the assessment of visual function where my classmates acted as patients.  Since the beginning of third year I have tested patients that come into our purpose built clinic (The National Optometry Clinic). This hands-on experience is a great way to learn and I have found it very rewarding. I like the thought of one day using these skills to provide people with a valuable primary health care service and hopefully make a difference in their lives.