Billal
BSc (Hons) Optometry
Billal's ambition to pursue a long-term career in optometry was born from experiencing issues with his own eyes growing up. Now in his final year of studying at the University of Bradford, he shares his journey of the BSc (Hons) Optometry degree so far.
This is Billal's story.
More than a prescription
"There’s a stigma amongst patients."
"So many people think visiting opticians is just about getting prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. Many are scared to find out if their eyesight has changed, so they put off making an appointment. I want to promote the importance of eye health and routine check-ups. I'd like to make visits to the optometrist as common as visiting the dentist.
"You can detect so many different health conditions when looking at the eye."
Where it all began
"I had eye problems in the past."
"I've been in and out of opticians all my life because of being short-sighted. It broadened my knowledge of optometry and how vital eye health is. I realised quite early on that I had an opportunity in this industry."
Where vision became reality
"Bradford stood out."
"When I was researching universities, Bradford stood out. I saw that a high percentage of their optometry graduates went straight into work, and that appealed to me.
"When I came to an Open Day and Experience Day and saw the campus clinics, treatment rooms, and lecture theatres, I thought I could really see myself studying here. I've even got hands-on experience with the equipment."
One step closer
"Every day is a different learning experience."
"Now in my third year, I can see just how much I've progressed on this course. I'm comfortable with seeing patients and working in the eye clinic on campus or on placement.
"I can skilfully carry out prescription checks, health checks, and make referrals. I know how to communicate well with patients, build a rapport with them and make them feel at ease. It's certainly not all about anatomy on this course."
When I started at Bradford, I didn't know how to use any of the equipment or machines. Now they're just part of my everyday practice. Studying and working in the field makes you more curious.
A passion for life
"I've got a career with longevity, doing something I love."
"There's always going to be someone who needs glasses or contact lenses, and there's so much interesting research in eye health conditions like Glaucoma and AMD. It's an exciting industry to be entering as optometry is always changing, and that's why the course at Bradford is so amazing. It's ever-evolving.
"My plan after graduating is to do my one-year pre-registration training course while working at a local practice, before becoming an independent prescriber. It means that I will be able to expand my scope of practice and prescribe medication for any patient who has an eye-related problem, instead of them going through their GP."
Interested in studying optometry?
Find out more about our course, entry requirements, and how to apply.