How studying Optometry helped a student step out of his comfort zone
When John Li moved from New Zealand to Melbourne to study optometry, he was chasing more than just a degree - he was looking for a challenge, a change of pace, and the chance to pursue a lifelong interest in eye health. What he didn’t expect was how much he would grow along the way.
Now in his final year of the Doctor of Optometry program with the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, the University of Melbourne, John reflects on a journey that has gone far beyond lectures and clinical skills, which have shaped his confidence, sparked new interests, and built lasting friendships along the way.
How a personal experience sparked a passion for optometry
John’s interest in eye health wasn’t sparked by a diagnosis or a lifelong condition. In fact, growing up, visits to the optometrist were rare.
“I come from a family where no one needed glasses,” he explains. “The first time I saw an optometrist was because I asked to, I couldn’t see the whiteboard in school anymore.” Even then, he only went a few times: to get his first pair of glasses, to update his prescription, and again after breaking his frames.
With limited experience around eye care, John sometimes felt unsure about what was happening with his vision. “It was hard to explain why I couldn’t see anything beyond the largest ‘E’ on the chart,” he recalls. “I remember feeling like it was somehow my fault, and that there wasn’t much I could do about it.”
At school, the contrast became clear. Classmates were talking about contact lenses, Ortho-K, and red light therapy - treatments and tools he hadn’t even known existed. That early experience stuck with him and helped shape the kind of optometrist he hopes to be: one who takes the time to inform, involve, and empower their patients.
“I want my patients to feel like they’re part of the conversation, not just told what’s wrong, but supported in understanding and managing their eye health.”
Finding his place in Melbourne
Choosing the University of Melbourne felt like a natural decision - not only because of its academic reputation, but because of the city itself. “I was ready for something different,” John says. “Melbourne felt exciting, alive. It offered a chance to explore not just optometry, but the kind of person I wanted to become.”
And while optometry was his focus, studying at Melbourne opened unexpected doors. He dabbled in agricultural research, studied Japanese, and developed an interest in pharmaceuticals - all alongside his clinical training. “It’s one of the things I’ve loved most about this experience. I’ve been able to explore so many of my other interests while still staying focused on becoming a healthcare professional.”
One of the program’s biggest drawcards for John was its global placement offering in the final year. “There were over twelve countries to choose from, but spots were limited,” he says. “It became a goal I worked towards during my whole degree.” That goal will soon become reality - he’s heading to New York in July for a clinical placement that he calls a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
From quiet contributor to confident communicator
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. When John began the program, he described himself as quiet and reserved. But that began to change in the third year when he took a leap and applied to be a student representative.
“I wasn’t sure I had the right qualities,” he says. “But my cohort believed in me.” The experience pushed him out of his shell and taught him how to advocate, collaborate, and lead. More importantly, it taught him how to connect - skills that have directly translated into his clinical work.
“It wasn’t a healthcare role, but being able to have honest, open conversations with people, whether they were staff or students, helped me become a better communicator with patients.”
A student community like no other
For John, one of the most defining aspects of his time at Melbourne has been the sense of community within the optometry cohort.
“It’s a small program, but that’s what makes it special,” he says. “Everyone is so supportive. You’re never left behind.” He recalls countless nights staying up with friends before exams, explaining the content of the entire semesters to each other. “It was intense, but also incredibly rewarding. We were all in it together.”
That spirit of collaboration stood in stark contrast to some of the more competitive environments he had experienced before. “Here, people want to see you succeed. They celebrate your wins and help you through the hard parts.”
Here, people want to see you succeed. They celebrate your wins and help you through the hard parts.
Lessons from the clinic
Throughout his studies, John has been struck by how much more there is to optometry than meets the eye.
“A friend once told me that by the end of first year, I’d already know how to prescribe glasses. I didn’t believe him, but he was right!” he says. “And after that, there was still so much more to learn.”
From paediatrics and binocular vision dysfunctions to retinal diseases and ocular therapeutics, John has spent the past few years deepening his understanding of complex conditions, both inherited and acquired. He even completed a year-long research project under the close supervision of a professor - an experience that further expanded his appreciation for the field.
One patient encounter particularly stuck with him. A woman came into the clinic describing eye pain so severe it felt like a “bag of nails.” She was diagnosed with recurrent corneal erosion, a condition that can cause intense pain upon waking, due to the corneal surface repeatedly tearing.
“I was worried about how I’d break the news to her,” John remembers. “But she was so positive. She was happy to comply with our treatment plan, even with the long wait in an emergency. It reminded me that as a practitioner, you have to stay calm. You can’t decide how the patient should feel, you have to listen, respect their experience, and meet them where they are.”
Planning ahead
As graduation approaches, John is already thinking about what comes next. After gaining clinical experience, he hopes to one day open his own practice, one that specialises in areas he’s passionate about, like myopia control and dry eye treatment.
“It’s probably a bit of wishful thinking,” he laughs, “but I’d love to design the space myself, choose the frames, build it from the ground up, and fill the consult room with the latest technology.”
It’s a dream grounded in ambition and shaped by the well-rounded education and mentorship he’s received at the University of Melbourne.
Advice for future students
Looking back, John has a few words of advice for anyone considering optometry at the University of Melbourne.
“Find a close group of friends that you admire. You’ll learn so much just from being around them, and you’ll have the best time of your life,” he says.
“Also, get to know your professors. They’re so passionate about teaching and genuinely want to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s after class or over email. A good mentor can make all the difference.”
And perhaps most importantly: “Step out of your comfort zone. The first time is hard, but it gets easier every time.”
