Owain Portsmouth
For Owain Portsmouth, Optometry stood out as a career where science and patient care come together in practical, meaningful ways every day.
“I’d worked at an optometrist since I was 16, but because my own eyes were healthy, I never really understood how complex eye care could be"
“People often think optometry is just about reading glasses and eye tests, but there’s so much more to it”
For Owain Portsmouth, a part-time job at an optometry practice unexpectedly sparked an interest in a career he hadn’t previously considered. What started as a way to earn money during high school eventuallyled him toward studying Optometry at Waipapa Taumata Rau.
His decision to study Optometry came after sitting in on a family member’s eye
examination.
“The optometrist walked me through all the different tests and what she was looking for,” he says. “It was far more in depth than I ever realised, and pretty much from that moment I decided I wanted to move into clinical care.”
Now studying the Bachelor of Optometry, Owain says one of the biggest surprises has been discovering just how broad the profession really is.
“There is so much more to this career than people think, you can detect health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure through the eyes, prescribe medications, and specialise in all sorts of different areas.”
He also enjoys the balance between practical learning and strong social connections within the programme.
“I really enjoy learning clinical skills in labs and practicing on classmates,” he says. “The degree is very close-knit, and it feels like everyone wants each other to succeed.”
Alongside his studies, Owain has also had opportunities to take part in ophthalmology research, including clinical studies exploring new ways to treat bacterial eye infections.
“It’s really interesting being involved in research that could shape the future of eye care,” he says.
Looking ahead, Owain hopes to eventually own his own optometry practice and become a trusted healthcare provider within his local community.
“I think one of my strengths is explaining complex health information in a way people can understand,” he says. “Helping people make informed decisions about their eye health is something I really value.”