My choice to study optometry stemmed from my ambition to pursue a career that combined my fascination in the sciences with my love of working with people. This encouraged me to apply for a job at a local Specsavers branch where I have been working for the past year as an Optical Assistant, conducting clinical assessments, working on reception and dealing with customer enquiries. I also sit in with the Optometrists when they are conducting full eye examinations. I thoroughly enjoy this work and I now have a good understanding of the attributes which help make a successful Optometrist; empathy dealing with customers, organisation, confidence and technical skills which help with choosing the treatment most suited to the individual patient. This work has prepared me for what my future profession will involve; it has given me the confidence and love for the work I do which is important when entering such a specific field. I'm attracted by the combination of working closely with patients on a personal basis and the technology used to undertake eye exams and arrive at a suitable prescription. I have an outgoing and friendly personality which will help when dealing with patients and I'm also extremely organised which helps with my work, as well as being able to work happily in a team environment. Not only has my career at Specsavers given me an insight into Optometry as a profession but has given me opportunities to further my involvement in the community, having recently participated in the local Race For Life 5K event with my colleagues and finishing in the top ten with over two thousand entrants. I recently attended an Optometry workshop at a local university, designed to explain the role of an Optometrist and to give attendees the opportunity to experience the equipment and procedures used on a daily basis, whilst explaining about the training courses, the working environment and career choices. The day confirmed my drive to succeed in this field. My EPQ project is looking at the treatment of macular degeneration and how developing technology is leading to new solutions unheard of twenty years ago. I find the connection between technology and medical treatment fascinating, particularly the idea that new treatments might be developed and introduced during my career. I enjoyed reading journals, websites and findings about this research. At school I was selected as an Ambassador, teaching local primary school pupils about the importance of global education in conjunction with a national Fair Trade fortnight where I spent time in the local town speaking with members of the public about Fair Trade and the benefits to society. This was nerve racking at first but the sense that it was for a greater good spurred me on to spread the message of FairTrade within the community. More recently I was selected at school to be a Prefect mentoring year 7 pupils for their first year at secondary school, helping them settle in and managing any problems they experienced, liaising with staff as necessary. The challenges that the young children presented tested our patience and problem solving skills. I matured during that year knowing I had acted as an adult with their best interests in mind. I volunteered at a local riding stables working with the Riding for the Disabled Association, helping the children learn to ride by leading them on a rein or supporting them in the saddle. I believe the specialist skills I gained during that time will be relevant to becoming an accomplished optometrist, such as being able to communicate and empathise with children under difficult circumstances and having a calm attitude at all times. I'm attracted to a career that will be rewarding, where I never stop learning or helping people to overcome problems with their eyesight. I'm interested in both the clinical and anatomical aspects of the course and believe I will bring a focussed attitude and desire to learn.