OV/SA announces Student Academic Award winner

Alexandra (Ally) Forman has been awarded the 2026 OV/SA Student Academic Award for The University of Melbourne. Recipients of these awards are selected by the three Australian university optometry faculties and conferred upon students who demonstrate academic excellence, and a strong commitment to patient care and professionalism.

We caught up with Ally recently to find out about her time as a student and what’s next in her career as an optometrist.

Congratulations Ally, on winning the OV/SA Student Academic Award! What were some highlights of your time as an optometry student?

There are so many! I really enjoyed the unique variety of placements during my final year of studies, with a standout being a two-month externship in Connecticut, USA. Each placement taught me valuable skills and knowledge that I use every day. I also gained deeper insights into the profession from different perspectives.

Another highlight was being involved in university life. During my studies, I formed lifelong friendships, got involved in fantastic initiatives including organising a student conference, and learned from so many amazing professionals!

What are you enjoying in your new role as an optometrist?

I love managing my own patients. While it can be daunting, every patient has a different reason for coming, and I know I am making a genuine difference in their lives as I connect with them and help manage their concerns.

It is also very rewarding to grow as a clinician. I have already encountered a wide range of patient presentations that have challenged me further than what I learned as a student. However, I know each encounter is improving my skillset and confidence in my practice.

Have there been any surprises or unexpected challenges, and how are you overcoming them?

I am still adapting to working as a solo clinician and having patients place their full trust in me with their eye care. Even something as simple as choosing which lubricating drops to recommend without having a supervisor to refer to threw me at first!

However, I have been very fortunate to work in a wonderful practice where the staff are very supportive and always willing to lend a hand when I need it, while also encouraging me to believe in myself and my decisions.

Which OA member benefits have been most helpful to you so far?

I have enjoyed the variety of CPD sessions and modules, all so easily accessible on the Optometry Australia website. Attending OA events has helped me connect with and learn from industry leaders and optometrists from different walks of life; researching areas I feel less experienced in has helped me to build my knowledge base and improve my patient care.

I was also fortunate enough to participate in the 2025 Optometry Australia Student Leadership Program, where I met other optometry students across Australia and learn skills in communication, networking, and leadership, which have been invaluable both in my practice and my life in general.

What excites you most about your future career in optometry?

While the field of optometry is already so broad, I am excited to see how the profession continues to evolve, as we develop new research and technologies and continue to extend our scope of practice and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Optometry has already changed so much since I began my studies, so I cannot imagine where we will be in the future!

Building on this, I am also excited to explore different pathways within the profession and see where these may lead me further down the track.