Personally, I’m against switching between jobs and would rather stay put in that one workplace with great work culture and lovely people. I genuinely love my job and having a workplace that feels like a second family allows me to give it my all. In return, the support I will receive in terms of career growth is exceptional.
However, certain life circumstances forced me to jump here and there, between different cities…and work settings. Undeniably, I consider myself very lucky to be exposed to different, yet remarkable work places as each job had its own imprint into shaping my career experience.
First stop
Upon graduation, I had a fantastic headstart in a private clinic that almost offered everything you could learn as a fresh graduate. The team was very supportive and one of the dearest to my heart. The clinic was extremely busy with 5-6 operating doctors at one time. I’ve learned to work under stress, prioritise tasks and efficiently screen patients without disadvantaging them due to time restraints. I was exposed to a wide range of eye conditions including ocular motility and paediatrics, ocular inflammations and oculoplastics.
Patient education was a big thing at the clinic. Hence, I quickly learned to explain conditions (drug regimes and what to expect) in layman terms. I was always complimented about my ability to easily explain things and putting patients at ease.
The clinic also offered laser and refractive services, as well as, a day surgery, providing me with a fantastic surgical experience, I will always be forever thankful for.
Second stop
My next stop was at a public hospital. Perhaps as busy as a busy private clinic. Having random walk-ins was frequent. The majority of which were admitted into emergency department. These presented the most educational cases, each with its own unique and surprising presentation. Trauma and neurological conditions were the most common. Personally, I have enjoyed these ophthalmic subspecialties the most as they gave me more opportunities to undertake orthoptic workout.
On the other hand, the hospital’s patient population was more diverse and challengingly fun than typical private general ophthalmology clinics.
Life hits hard
Even in the middle of difficulties, there’s always an opportunity. What’s the best thing to do when things aren’t just right yet?? Go Locum!! It’s a fantastic way to gain some experience if you are a fresh graduate who can’t find a job yet or need some additional cash to your current part-time position. Experience wise? You will be exposed to a variety of clinics, learning new skills and conditions and discovering your area of interest. To sugarcoat it, experience some tourism whilst travelling around!!
Life is enjoying the game
Covid outbreaks…babies come along
I go on maternity break and decide to create this beautiful blog site in the hopes of building doors of future opportunities.
Before I know it, there’s a rainbow after the storm. A casual opportunity in research pops up. Perfect!! A quieter experience and much slower paced than the clinical settings. Research setting is limited in terms of cases seen, however it does go in depth in that particular condition of interest. It enlightens your knowledge in ways you have never imagined.
Where else can orthoptics take you?
Apart from working in education roles, you can also try low vision and rehabilitation for a more focused niched sub-speciality. The number of patients seen per day is limited, but the amount of time spent with each patient is maximised. Set free your creativity customising visual aid per each person’s preferences and way of living. Or embark on an adventure working in sales. Often these jobs provide you with the necessary training. You will stay up to date with technological advances and enjoy plenty of road trips.
Orthoptist Social 