Quartet of new optometrists join sister practices

FOUR newly-qualified optometrists have joined sister practices – having completed their

pre-registration year at them.

Avneet Bagri, Raman Cheema, Sulayman Aurangzeb and Rohan Thawait completed their year of supervised training at the Specsavers practices in the Telford Shopping Centre and Baddeley Court, Newport.

They will now take on their roles as full-time optometrists working across the two practices – with plans to pursue higher qualifications, including medical retina, glaucoma and independent prescribing.

‘One of the most enjoyable parts of my pre-registration experience was being given the opportunity to apply what I had learned during university in a real-world setting,’ says Avneet. ‘My aim now is to keep up with the latest research and treatment and to help build up my clinical expertise through further qualifications.’

Raman says that the most enjoyable part was interacting with different patients. ‘I had the opportunity to see some complex and challenging cases too, which I was able to learn and develop from,’ he adds. ‘My supervisors were also very supportive and have helped me develop my clinical skills.’

Sulayman says: ‘I am now eager to refine my clinical skills. I want to explore special interests such as glaucoma or myopia management, and take on greater responsibilities, including mentoring pre-registration students, just like the senior optometrists at both practices.’

Interacting with patients was a highlight for Rohan. ‘I also had the opportunity to build on the clinical skills I had learnt at university when examining patients. I plan to complete further certifications and accreditations to keep on learning new skills.’

All four were supported by experienced supervisors Wrayon Vassel, Jasdeep Dhillon and Vinay Najran who feel very passionate about mentoring those just starting out in their careers.

‘Stepping into the role of a supervisor is truly a worthwhile journey, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of optometry,’ says Wrayon. ‘The whole Specsavers Telford team is extremely proud of their achievements.’

Jasdeep found the role equally rewarding. ‘When they have that lightbulb moment and everything just clicks, you can totally see a shift in their behaviour and confidence,’ he says.

‘I especially enjoy helping them build their clinical and decision-making skills, while also nurturing their confidence in handling complex situations,’ adds Vinay.