I was already interested in practising and living regionally when I first started studying optometry at The University of Western Australia. However, it was only after learning about the impact that optometry and vision can have upon individuals, along with the high demand for optometry in regional towns, that I decided to join Luxottica as a cadet with a commitment to working in a regional town for at least three years as a graduate optometrist, following completion of my degree.

I had very little knowledge about how it would differ professionally to working in a metropolitan area and it wasn’t until third year, when I was able to go on rural placements to see and experience the impact that regional optometry had on the community, that I began to develop an understanding of the difference between metro and regional practice.

My placement at Karratha Eye Care, supported by the WA Centre for Rural Health, made clear the challenges that came with remote locations. Having to manage complex conditions with the support of Lions Outback Vision Telehealth, and needing to wait for monthly visits, shaped the optometrists into practitioners with great problem-solving skills and knowledge.

Talking to the patients while in Karratha, and at my other regional placements in Busselton and Darwin, I realised the beneficial impact that local practices have on the community and the consequent fulfilment that was felt by the optometrists.

The impact and benefits of rural practice affirmed for me that I had made the right decision two years earlier, but I still hadn’t decided where I wanted to practise.

During university breaks I travelled to Western Australian towns. After visiting Albany and enjoying my time there, I researched the ophthalmology and optometry options and I found that there was a good community of optometrists and two general ophthalmologists in town. 

While Albany isn’t as remote as Karratha, I decided that it would be a good place to start my career and gain confidence as a newly graduated practitioner.

Albany offers a balance that allows me to push myself to manage more complex patients and serve a regional community, while still having support around me in the early stages of my career.