Ran Jing enjoying a Koala encounter at Bredl’s Wild Farm in Queensland, Australia, earlier this year

Recent graduate Ran Jing has been awarded Snowvision’s annual State University of New York (SUNY) scholarship to further her optometry skills.

Jing, who currently divides her time between Waikato Hospital’s department of ophthalmology and Rose Optometry, said she is grateful for this “golden opportunity” to further her skills without having to worry too much about the financial costs.

Working in the hospital’s paediatric, diabetic/medical retina and glaucoma outpatient clinics, she said she is looking forward to the opportunity to exchange information about clinical experience, research and patient management skills at SUNY. “I’m hoping to pick up clinical pearls advancing my practice and I’m optimistic that viewing optometry practice in a different system could lead to some reflections on how we could further enhance optometry scope in New Zealand.”

SUNY's head trauma unit and contact lens service are also points of interest, which she hopes will provide new ideas for her New Zealand patients, she said. Having never visited the US, Jing said she is very excited about the prospect of trying interesting foods and going to shows and events. “I love making travel plans and ticking off popular destinations, but having this opportunity to live like a New York local for a few weeks sounds really amazing.”

Since 1997, the trustees of the Snowvision Charitable Trust have announced annual scholarships for a recent graduate and/or optometrist to attend SUNY for four weeks to improve their clinical optometry skills. The scholarship is for up to $8,000, to be used within five years of being granted.