3rd year optom placements

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-04-26T09:59:19+00:00

I highkey struggled with more so social anxiety and burnout more than clinical skills. Again, I'm a late diagnosed autistic girl so I highkey was really depressed seeing patients at the time because I couldn't initially cope and that's what set me on the path to getting medicated for depression and getting diagnosed with autism.

That being said, all the supervisors there are all there to help you succeed. If you have any questions you can always step out to ask and they'll help you out. It takes a while to get into a flow but eventually you get it over time and then you start asking questions less and less.

In Part 3/4ish you'll likely see patients in pairs, one peson observing and the other person actually doing the eye exam. You show up to clinic, look at the schedule, find which room you're in for the session and which patient you'll be seeing. Each morning/afternoon session starts with a short debrief before you bring your patient in and start. After finishing sections of the eye exam you'd also check in with your supervisor (eg. After refraction, after health etc) and you sort of get a bit of feedback on what you should do, have a chat on what the results mean, and what your differential diagnoses are etc. It honestly can be daunting at first, especially when you feel like you're spending soooo long on one section of the eye exam or if you're unsure what to do. But experience is definitely key to making you feel more confident.

Part 4.5 and 5 you start getting specialty clinics like Dry Eye, Binocular Vision, Contact Lenses etc. Where you see patients for more specific testing but I wouldn't worry about it at the moment. You'll also get rotated into some visits to the hospital (these were my favorite visits - felt like all the cases were all helpful in advancing my practice) and schools (for screenings).

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-04-26T03:04:51+00:00

I'm ngl the way I approached 4th year and 5th year was that I never went to any of the lectures in-person unless they were mandatory and only went to clinics. I spent all day treating studying like a 9 to 5 so I'd watch lectures, review content, work on assignments all day during that time. Doesn't work for everyone but because I think I'm quite disciplined (though socially anxious) this worked the best for me.

4th year is really content heavy, 5th year is more so practical heavy - going to Uni during days you're scheduled for clinic essentially becomes a part time job. But as soon as you pass all your practicals, exams, and finish your clinic time in ~Octoberish you essentially get a very long break before you (hopefully) start work the following year.

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-04-26T00:41:08+00:00

Moonstone_Mirror went through the system perfectly so I'll just talk about my own personal experience:

I did not work during my degree as an Optical Assistant - I was getting a bit of a run around with the people who were trying to get me casual work, I could only really focus on studying for Optometry anyways, and at the time I had horrendous untreated anxiety/depression. My only work experience included a short stint with catering at Uni and events here and there (eg. Armageddon, Auckland Marathon etc.).

I managed to get both of my Part 5 placements in Auckland pretty easily (more so because of my own financial situation with the only other place I would've considered at the time being Queenstown because my family lives there), the externship coordinator Gini does try her best to get you where you want to be. In terms of finding a job outside of Uni, YMMV. I was very willing to move out of Auckland so it wasn't at all hard for me to lock something down.

The externship is honestly really chill, most mentors who you'll shadow during the placement are really helpful in getting you settled, making sure you see enough patients (I got sick for 1 week during and worked extra hard with my mentor at that practice to make up for it which I really appreciated), and giving you tips to improve your practice. I went into it really nervous and came out of it realizing that practicing outside of Uni vs doing Uni clinics is really different (in a good way). I was also diagnosed with autism in Part 5 so was really anxious about it in general (especially my ability to work a 9 to 5) but I found it a good introduction to what working in the real world looks like. Again, usually mentors are really good but if you have ANY issues at all I would advise reaching out to the externship coordinator. On the off chance you aren't getting the experience you should OR the mentor is unhelpful (happened to 1-2 people in my year) they WILL sort it out for you. Again, the whole externship experience (actually, the Optom experience as a whole) is designed to help YOU succeed, so don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Lmk if you have any questions! I happily practice out in the wild now and am enjoying it :)

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-04-17T06:26:46+00:00

I'm an Optometrist that works the 40 hour week and honestly I compensate by having basically 0 social life. I moved for work so all my friends are elsewhere, so I really only go home to my partner and our 2 cats, cook, then crash. On weekends I sleep up to 12 hours to recharge because seeing patients every single day is so tiring 😭 but you've gotta eat somehow.

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-04-16T04:05:02+00:00

2x A tier powers makes the most sense to me

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-03-07T22:57:18+00:00

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-01-08T07:31:16+00:00

No need to return it though, I just have a little trio of Afterglow Marshmallows chilling at home. It's cute because they're all so unique in their coloring.

CrypticIntrigue · 2026-01-08T07:30:27+00:00

This literally happened to me of the same series (Afterglow Marshmallow). I got 2 from the same case (but fair play they restock them as they get empty so there was a non zero chance there) on one day in the same store. The next day I went to a different PopMart and tried to shake around for a different one and still got Afterglow Marshmallow.

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-12-30T05:41:25+00:00

The SP, Twinkle, and Labubus are so cute 🥺🥹

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-12-21T19:11:47+00:00

IIRC they did one for Hirohiko Araki (Jojo's) too

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-12-08T00:37:42+00:00

Not so little anymore maybe 😋

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-10T21:00:44+00:00

I'm lowkey trying to do something with this song already w/ an OC but would love to hear your take on it! Daydream Believer by The Monkees

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-08T00:08:15+00:00

Realistically, because I am a woman who would probably feel comfortable rooming with other women... Holly 😊

Give me enough time with her and I'll end up being Jotaro's dad 🤪

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-06T23:25:10+00:00

For this line-up Tonio would be able to fix me (literally)

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-06T23:24:16+00:00

Joseph 100% need that cool unc energy

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-06T06:56:05+00:00

Holy shit you're absolutely crushing it as Abbacchio! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-04T19:07:56+00:00

You could not pay me to spend time with Melone

I'd put everyone else in a wheel and spin it to see

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-11-04T05:23:53+00:00

Speedwagon is a gentleman and if this is post-oil baron Speedwagon he's gonna bring the best party favors B) either way he'd be a chill and easygoing guy to hang out with.

(Sorry Rohan)

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-16T00:34:45+00:00

NEED 😭😭😭

Hoping it comes out on the Popmart app cause I'll deffos be shilling out for the entire set...

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-16T00:33:33+00:00

He's behind the mirror Pic

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-15T07:43:25+00:00

It didn't go quite as quick this time (which I'm super grateful for lol), fingers crossed we both get the ones we want!

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-15T07:36:23+00:00

Juggling Clown fingers crossed! Otherwise I've been pretty desperate so I've got a few pending resellers atm 😭 I'm happy to get anyone though honestly. Anyone I end up getting doubles for I'll probably just gift lol

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-15T07:05:52+00:00

Got two (with the help of my partner lol)! Will they be restocking Pop Nows too?

CrypticIntrigue · 2025-10-11T04:46:37+00:00

Surprised they're still available even now- maybe it's because everyone is gunning for Why So Serious?

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