Optometry and Vision Science

Transcript

Hi, My name’s James Fuss and I study Optometry at QUT.

Here at QUT there’s a great emphasis in the clinical practice of optometry. We get to practise on real patients which are real people that come in and get eye tests. The equipment here in the clinic is really state of the art; it’s great and it’s often better than what we will get to use when we finally graduate and actually work out in the real world.

One of the things that I love about Optometry is the small classes which means you get a lot of one on one time with the lecturers. It’s also great because you get to know all the students, not only in your own level but in all the other levels which means you can discuss what they’re learning and what you’re learning.

I’m going into my final year here at QUT and what I’m looking forward to the most is working in the low vision clinic because there I get to work with other health professionals like Social Workers and Occupational Therapists. So working with all those other health professionals gives me a real holistic view on health, not just in my profession of Optometry.

What I like most about Optometry is getting that personal satisfaction of being able to help someone who’s had a bit of trouble, whether it’s not being able to read the paper in the morning. It’s really rewarding.

Transcript

My name’s Alex Black, and I’m a recent graduate in my PhD studies here at QUT in the Optometry school.

I actually did my Optometry Degree here at QUT many years ago, but many other higher research degree students come from different backgrounds such as science and engineering, but we all have a passion for vision research.

I chose QUT because it has an excellent international reputation in my field, we have excellent and unique facilities here at QUT, and we get the opportunity to collaborate with external partners such as government, and community groups.

As a researcher, my day varies considerably. I will spend hours and hours looking at the computer screen doing research work or doing some writing or analysis. But also I can spend a lot of time working with participants and students in my teaching roles.

The research here focuses on real world challenges such as vision impairment and falls and driving in older adults, as well as diabetes eye problems and also children’s vision.

So doing my research here at QUT has opened the door to my research career, and I’m about to start on a new three year project which I’m really excited about.