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Episode 35: The Power of Young Optometrists: Supporting the Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals


What if you had a support network ready to answer your questions, guide you through your first grad role, and remind you why you chose optometry in the first place? That's exactly what Young Optometrists Network provides!

 

In this episode, we are joined by Celine Zhang, Ann Tran, and Yeghia Gharibian from Young Optometrists (YO) Network, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting optometry students and early-career professionals to advance the profession.

 

Throughout the conversation, they share why YO was created, the challenges students and new graduates face, and its role in bridging the gap between university and practice. From tackling burnout and building clinical confidence to navigating between corporate and independent practice, this conversation is packed with honest insights, practical advice, and encouragement for the next generation of eye care professionals.

 

Whether you're an optometry student, recent graduate, or even a few years into your career, this episode is full of relatable insights and will inspire you to lean into community, stay curious, and embrace opportunities to grow.

 

About the Guests:

 

Yeghia Gharibian is the Co-Chairperson of Young Optometrists, a clinical optometrist predominantly working in independent practice, and a motivated team player leading advocacy efforts for the betterment of eye care globally. He is interested in all facets of optometry, including ocular disease and the role of the optometrist within the health system.

 

Celine Zhang is currently the co-secretary of Young Optometrists and a full-scope optometrist practising in an independent practice in Sydney.

 

Ann Tran is the Young Optometrists' Social Media and Publications Officer, graduated from Optometry in 2019 and now works as a locum and senior optometrist in a corporate practice. She is also the Social Media and Publications Officer of Young Optometrists. Ann is passionate about empowering young optometrists and optometry students with skills to enhance their profession and building a friendly community for them to connect and share experiences.

 

 

Key Topics with Timestamps:

2:36 - Meet the Young Optometrists Leadership team

7:00 - Why Young Optometrists exists

8:18 - Support initiative to students and younger optometrists: Educational, networking events, bootcamps and therapeutic study sessions

13:05 - The biggest challenges new optometry grads face

14:54 - Bridging the gap between university education and real-world practice

20:16 - Early career challenges of new optometrists

24:55 - Mental health first aid trained

29:22 - Corporate vs. Independent practice: benefits, challenges, & common misconceptions

31:17 - Choosing your first role strategically

35:27 - Supporting students and young optometrists with the power of community

39:31 - How YO differs from other industry bodies and its unique approach

42:50 - The future of YO and its vision to expand beyond NSW & ACT

43:48 - Advice for Early-Career Optometrists



Mentioned Resources:

 

Episode Suggestions:

 

Connect with Michael Nasser:

 

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Learn More About Us:

 

 

Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Focused View Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, give us a 5-Star rating, and leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify to help us reach even more eye care professionals and build a community of innovation and see new opportunities within the optical industry. Talk with you next time!

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