A big hello from the 2023 New Zealand Optometry Student Society (NZOSS) executive team! For anyone who doesn’t know us, NZOSS closes the gaps between the optometry student body, experienced professionals and the eyecare industry.
Now entering our 11th year, our committee is working hard to make sure we have one of the biggest and most engaging agendas yet, regardless of whether it’s in-person or online! In 2022, NZOSS faced tricky traffic-light rules and regulations, plus the first semester being held online. But despite those challenges, our team worked incredibly hard to make the year a memorable one.
The first weeks of 2023 are jam-packed with sporting and social events, encouraging our part II optometry students to mingle. A highly anticipated optometry camp, a friendly BBQ, the Round the Bays fun run, pub crawls and pub quizzes are all on the agenda, with Sports Day also making a return this year, adding a little rivalry between the year groups!
We’re also anticipating the return of the conference collaboration with Auckland University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Encompassing medicine, pharmacy, medical imaging, nursing, population health and optometry, it will challenge students to adopt multidisciplinary ways of thinking and working. This will complement our educational seminars, traditionally held twice a year, which provide an opportunity for students to learn about real-world optometry outside the university and build relationships with our generous sponsors and the wider optometry community. However, life’s too short and not everything’s about optometry! So, later this year, we are also introducing an exciting new seminar delivered by a highly acclaimed previous NZOSS president, looking at potential pathways beyond our degree. More to come on that later!
Studying for a bachelor of optometry degree is intensely rewarding but challenging and NZOSS is working hard to ensure everyone has fun and feels safe and supported. If you have any ideas or questions, or you would like to support NZOSS in our future endeavours, please contact us at [email protected].
