GLOBAL LENS: The Best Thing About My School.By Dr. Maryam Jabbar Optometry Lecturer, The University of Faisalabad, Pakistan. August 2024

I began my studies in 2016 and choosing this university was one of my best decisions. The university provided state of art facilities that greatly helped me develop my skills in optometry. One of the most memorable parts of my final year in 2020 was working on research projects. These projects aimed to fill gaps in existing knowledge and explore new areas and different populations. This experience was especially valuable because of the guidance from Dr. Ayesha Kiran, the department coordinator and our research supervisor. Dr. Kiran was truly the best supervisor we could have hoped for. Her expertise and support were invaluable throughout our research journey. She taught us essential research skills and guided us with unwavering dedication. Despite her strictness about deadlines, her calm and supportive approach made the process smoother. Her influence has been profound and we are deeply grateful for her exceptional mentorship. In our optometry studies, certain subjects stood out for their challenges and the exceptional teaching we received. Orthoptics, one of the most complex subjects, was made understandable and engaging by Dr. Shakila Abbas, whose teaching methods we came to truly appreciate. Dispensing, a subject that initially seemed dry, became enjoyable thanks to Dr. Nimra Gul, who was always patient and willing to explain concepts, no matter how many times we asked. When it came to contact lenses, I vividly remember being anxious about practicing insertion and removal. Dr. Ayesha Mansoor insisted that everyone must practice these skills, which seemed daunting at the time. However, her insistence proved invaluable during clinical practice, where we had to guide patients on these procedures. We are grateful for her rigorous approach, which prepared us well for real-world situations. Our clinical rotation at the affiliated Madina Teaching Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan, was an integral part of our training. Dr. Ammara Baloch and Dr. Maryam Fatima provided invaluable support during this rotation. They guided us on managing patients’ current prescriptions and implementing effective management protocols, which greatly enhanced our practical experience. The Optometry Department also organized screening camps each semester, which were akin to study tours. We had the opportunity to screen marginalized communities such as factory workers, school children, and individuals in madrasas. Dr. Ammara Affi taught us the screening protocols that we applied during these camps, enriching our practical experience. Lastly, the challenge of presenting research data, including graphs and p-values, was greatly simplified by Mam Tehreem Rizwan, our statistics instructor. Her expertise in teaching statistics, using relevant examples like intraocular pressure and visual acuity, made complex concepts accessible and understandable. Overall, the comprehensive and supportive education provided by our faculty at the University of Faisalabad has been instrumental in shaping my skills and knowledge in optometry. I am deeply grateful to all my mentors who have shaped my journey and prepared me to excel in my professional life as an optometrist.

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