Orthoptics Personal Statement

The human eye is the most extraordinary, the most beautiful and the most important sensory organ of the human body. Having a sister who was blind when she was younger, I understand, and I appreciate the greatness of being able to see, the beauty of sight. Sight is the most precious sense of our five senses; our eyes give us a sense of light that allow us to learn more about our surrounding world than any of the other five senses. Orthoptics is a degree that helps individuals have a better quality of life; it’s a degree that is truly rewarding.
Whilst in secondary school, I have developed an interest in science, and as a result of my sister’s health condition I began to develop an interest in neurology and vision. Out of my interests I completed
a research project on “Does having a sight disorder have any psychological effects later on in life?” This led me to achieve the Research of the Year Award and also the Gifted Science Student Award. My enthusiasm for the course and general love for science is reflected in my A level subject choices. I am pursuing Advanced levels in Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Biology and Chemistry deliver an analytic aspect of learning, while Maths and Physics help cultivate the logical problem-solving skills which are significantly required in healthcare professions.
To grasp an understanding of what orthoptics entails I have volunteered to assist a children’s eye clinic.
This introduced me to the complexity of the eye, its health problems and treatments. I was astonished by the magnificence and beauty of the iris and the abundant information the eyes give about a patient’s general health. I engaged in conversations with the children and their parents. This fuelled my desire to part take in a course that helps improve the healthcare of the community. Having observed test procedures that orthoptist carry out to formulate a statement of impressions including a differential diagnosis and possible modes of non-surgical treatment, I understand that decision making and active involvement in patient care is vital. In addition to my A level studies, I assist in the organisation of after school Maths class for year seven students, where I teach younger pupils. This has helped me became a well-rounded individual who prides herself in inspiring other. Moreover, I am currently a mentor for disabled children at my local children’s disability centre and also a reading prefect for young children at my local primary school. These pastoral responsibilities have aided me to develop my communication and leadership skills. They have also taught me perseverance and
trustworthiness.
Beyond the academic field, I am a member of the Sister Support group charity where I have assisted in organising many charity events for children Orphanages in Africa. Having also participated in Worlds Orphanage day in Somalia in the summer of 2012, the above experiences have enhanced and enriched my overall personal development and have helped me appreciate the importance of time management.
Ultimately, I consider myself to be a well-rounded, outgoing individual who is driven by the ambition to help develop people's lives by contributing to the progression of healthcare. After receiving the required medical training, it is my aspiration to go to Africa and make a contribution to the medical services. Additionally, I will also be in a position to assist the vast number of children and elderly people in Africa. I share a common goal with the people; that is, the pursuit and fulfilment of a healthier life. Consequently, this is something I extremely hope to achieve through an Orthoptics degree at university.