Advice on starting out as an optometrist

Starting out as an optometrist can feel daunting - especially as you have had someone watching over your shoulder for the last 18 months. The biggest transition is being able to make decisions by yourself. What makes this process much easier is having a great support network around you - this includes your friends from the course, the practice staff and especially the practice optometrist / owner. Many New Zealand practices are small and have only one optometrist practicing in that location. This is a very difficult environment to learn in. Making sure you have people around to phone or email will make this transition a lot easier. It is essential to continue to compare notes and learning's with other colleagues.

Most optometrists start out in general practice in New Zealand. There tends to be very little public hospital work. General practice provides a great working environment, with variety and scope dependent on location.