Alumni Stories: Aaron Diker’s Journey in Optometry

Aaron is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Melbourne. Growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, he has always had a strong connection to his local community. With over seven years of experience working at Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre, he recently began practising as an optometrist at Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare in Point Cook, Victoria. Working alongside experienced optometrists, he is focused on building strong relationships with patients and providing quality eye care.

His interests in optometry include paediatric eye care, dry eye therapies, and specialty contact lenses. He enjoys the balance of clinical work and patient interaction, aiming to make each visit comfortable and informative.

Outside of work, Aaron likes staying active and connected with his community. He has played senior-level local football for over a decade and enjoys golf in his spare time. A passionate sports fan, he follows Manchester United in the EPL and the Hawthorn Hawks in the AFL. Above all, he values time spent with family and friends.

Why Optometry?

"Vision plays such a crucial role in our daily lives, yet it’s often taken for granted. In an era of increasing screen time, conditions like myopia are becoming more common, and the need for eye care is growing.

I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and optometry allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether diagnosing an eye condition or finding the right solution for a patient’s vision needs, I find the work rewarding and meaningful."

Learning from experience at the University of Melbourne

"Choosing the University of Melbourne for the Doctor of Optometry program was an easy decision. Having completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the university, I was already familiar with its ethos, structure, and surroundings.

The program stood out to me because of its rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical placements, and research opportunities. Clinical placements in diverse settings provided invaluable real-world experience, and the faculty’s expertise ensured a high-quality education. Simply put, you learn from the ‘rockstars’ of the profession every day. Staying up-to-date with the latest research and training on cutting-edge technology expanded the scope of my practice and prepared me for the evolving landscape of optometry."

"Simply put, you learn from the ‘rockstars’ of the profession every day."

A defining moment in patient care

"One day, early on in my final year, I had the pleasure of seeing a 4-year-old boy in the paediatric clinic for an eye exam. His parents were concerned because they noticed he had trouble seeing things clearly, especially while watching TV or reading picture books. His mum mentioned he often squinted and seemed frustrated when trying to play games with his older siblings. I could tell that his parents were anxious, but they were hopeful that I could help.

After a fun and engaging examination, I discovered that the young boy had a mild refractive error, which was affecting his vision. I explained to his parents that a pair of glasses would likely solve the issue and improve his ability to see clearly. His parents were relieved to hear that the problem was easily treatable, and I could see the relief in their eyes.

When we gave the little boy his first pair of glasses, his reaction was priceless. He put them on, looked around the room, and suddenly his face lit up as he saw everything in sharp detail for the first time. ‘Wow!’ he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. He ran over to his mum and dad, pointing at things he’d never noticed before. It was a magical moment for everyone in the room.

His parents were overjoyed and thanked me profusely, telling me how much this would improve his day-to-day life. The boy’s joy was infectious—he couldn’t stop smiling, and his parents were so grateful to know that such a simple solution would make such a big difference. It was moments like these that reminded me why I became an optometrist. Helping people, especially little ones, experience the world more clearly was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling."

An eye-opening experience in Puerto Rico

"One particular highlight of my journey was being awarded the opportunity in my final year to complete a 4-week placement overseas at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. This experience gave me a detailed insight into optometry and helped develop my love for the profession. Alongside my colleague and close friend, Safwan Khan, I was able to see a range of eye conditions and explore aspects of the profession that are not yet available to optometrists in Australia, including ocular prosthetics and oral prescribing.

Additionally, the placement put both of us out of our comfort zone, as English was not the preferred language in the region. This enabled us to refine our skills further by developing non-verbal communication techniques and using Spanish to help conduct optometric examinations. It is an opportunity for which I will be forever grateful, and I am thankful that the University of Melbourne offers such enriching experiences."

Looking to the future

"The scope of optometry is always changing, and it is currently an exciting time to be in the profession. I believe that in the near future, we will see greater cohesion between the optometry and ophthalmology fields. With the increasing demand for eye care, advancements in technology, and an expanded optometric scope of practice, collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists is becoming essential.

The University of Melbourne has prepared me for these changes by providing a strong clinical curriculum, hospital placements, and hands-on training at Melbourne Eyecare Clinic (MEC). Through this, I gained experience in ocular disease management, therapeutic prescribing, and advanced imaging technologies. With interdisciplinary learning and a focus on evidence-based practice, I feel well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of optometry and continue delivering the best possible care to my patients."

Advice for future optometrists

"The world is your oyster - you will get out of it what you put in. Don’t expect opportunities to be handed to you, especially as the industry becomes increasingly competitive. The University of Melbourne provides a valuable chance to connect with experienced clinicians, and some of these relationships can last well beyond graduation. Use your time wisely and build as many connections as possible, including with your peers - you never know when they might be helpful.

Another key point is that it’s completely normal to feel nervous when encountering new conditions and experiences. Trust yourself, back yourself, and remember that confidence will come with time as you see more patients and handle diverse cases. Never hesitate to reach out to mentors and peers for guidance - there is always something new to learn each day in the clinic.

One of the most important skills I’ve refined over time is effective communication. Clinical knowledge is only half the battle - the other half is articulating your thoughts clearly to patients and their families. To build a respected reputation and a successful career, you need to strike a balance between strong clinical skills and excellent communication.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, look after yourself. The transition from university life to professional practice can be demanding. It is important to maintain a work-life balance, seek support when needed, and not be too hard on yourself. Growth takes time, and every step forward counts."