Jessie CHAN

Exchange period: 6 July – 2 August 2026

My placement at Aston University was a rewarding journey that brought four years of optometry theory into real-world focus. The exceptionally supportive supervisors from Aston University actively prompted us to ask questions and explained clearly, simply, and thoroughly. Their genuine enthusiasm during these discussions made every interaction highly engaging and memorable, pushing us to think more critically and independently as future clinicians.

Equally valuable was the extensive exposure to specialized clinical settings, including Low Vision, Special Educational Needs (SEN), and Dry Eye clinics. Having the opportunity to directly observe rare or complex conditions that I had previously only studied in textbooks—such as albinism accompanied by pendular nystagmus, Down syndrome, Stargardt disease, rod-cone dystrophy, and an aphakic patient arriving with a guide dog—bridged the gap between abstract clinical literature and actual patient care. Connecting clinical signs to real individuals made understanding their daily struggles far more intuitive and unforgettable.

The welcoming atmosphere across the various departments made observing high-level clinical examinations continuously engaging and insightful. Overall, this placement expanded my perspective on optometric care and provided a deeply memorable, enriching foundation for my career, for which I am immensely grateful.