Rising Optometry Star: Samya Haque’s Journey in the Field of Vision Health

Samya Haque, a promising pre-registration optometrist and recent recipient of CooperVision’s prestigious OptiStudent award, shares her inspiring journey into the world of vision health. From her early encounters with glasses at the tender age of four to a chance conversation with an optometrist in a coffee shop, Haque found her calling in this well-balanced profession that allows her to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

Having explored various facets of the field through day placements at institutions like Optical Express and Newmedica, Haque acknowledges the vast and ever-expanding nature of optometry. Shadowing orthoptists in a children’s hospital revealed to her the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care and management.

With her current focus set on navigating the challenges of her pre-reg period, Haque remains open to future opportunities. Expressing interest in specialized areas like special effect and cosmetic contact lenses, she envisions a path that merges her passion for pop culture with optometry.

Reflecting on her journey, Haque emphasizes the value of establishing rapport in her workplace and learning from both successes and setbacks. In her own words, embracing the ups and downs of the profession while staying open to growth is key.

The OptiStudent competition, formerly known as FORCE, recognized Haque’s research project on meibomian gland health in contact lens wearers. Collaborating with her team, including supervisor Dr. Debarun Dutta, Haque presented their findings at the UK & Ireland event, alongside winners like Mohammed Fardin.

Through this experience, Haque gained a newfound appreciation for optometric research and international perspectives within the field. Winning the award reaffirmed her career choice and solidified her commitment to optometry.

Equipped with her beloved 78D volk lens and a passion for making a difference, Haque’s journey exemplifies the dedication and drive of emerging professionals in the field of vision health.