OV/SA announces Student Academic Award winners

 

Katie Tran (Flinders University) and Rita Abou-Issa (The University of Melbourne) are the winners of the 2025 OVSA Student Academic Awards, which were announced at recent Early Career Optometry dinners. These awards are given to optometry students, as selected by their university faculty, who demonstrate both academic excellence and commitment to patient care and professionalism.

We caught up with Katie and Rita recently to find out about what’s next for their careers as optometrists.

Katie Tran, Flinders University

Congratulation Katie! Tell us about a highlight of your optometry studies?
A major highlight for me was my final-year clinical placements. Having the opportunity to see patients independently and put all my knowledge and clinical skills into practice was extremely rewarding. I’m also thankful for the strong connections formed with my peers over the course of my studies, and I’m happy to say that I’ve made some lifelong friends along the way!

Where are you working now and what are you enjoying in your role?
I’m currently working part-time in the paediatric ophthalmology department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH). It’s been an amazing experience so far. Paediatrics is an area of optometry that I’ve always been drawn to, so I’m grateful to be playing an important role in children’s eye care in a tertiary health setting.

I’ll also be starting my role at Specsavers Newton soon, and I’m looking forward to working in a community optometry setting. I feel fortunate to be working in these roles that complement each other so well.

Have there been any unexpected challenges and how are you overcoming them?
The biggest challenge for me initially was transitioning from the mindset of a student to that of a clinician. It was daunting knowing that there was no one looking over my shoulder anymore, and that patients and their families were trusting me with their eye care. Fortunately, the knowledgeable team at WCH has provided immense support since day one, helping me build confidence in my clinical reasoning and decision-making. It’s reassuring to know that I can always ask for a second opinion from an experienced clinician in the room next door!

Learning the ins and outs of paediatric ophthalmology and public health has also been a challenge. I’ve encountered many complex patient presentations that I never thought I would see outside of my university textbooks. I’m learning something new every day and as a new graduate, I appreciate these opportunities to continuously expand my knowledge and skillset.

Which OV/SA membership benefits have been most useful to you so far?
As a student, I found the online resources incredibly valuable. I often read Optometry Connection articles, which are great for consolidating my learning and helping me stay updated on the latest advancements in optometry.

As a recent graduate, I value opportunities to connect with peers and experienced optometrists, so I’m looking forward to attending the many networking events hosted by OV/SA to expand my professional network.

What excites you most about your future career in optometry?
Optometry is an ever-changing field, so I’m excited to see the direction that the profession is headed. I’m fortunate to witness first hand the success of integrating optometrists into a multidisciplinary tertiary health setting, so I’m hopeful that in the future, we’ll see more optometrists working in collaborative eye care settings, such as ophthalmology and hospitals.

I’m also excited about the potential of emerging research and technologies in optometry, and how these will continue to shape evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Rita Abou-Issa, The University of Melbourne

Well done Rita on winning a 2025 OV/SA Student Academic Award! Can you share a highlight of your optometry studies?
I would say a highlight was the people. Learning from some of the top leaders and researchers in the field of optometry was so inspiring, and having them as mentors really shaped my journey. Further, I made amazing friends along the way, which meant the whole experience was even more rewarding.

Where are you working now and what are you enjoying in your role?
I am currently working at ACO Eye Health, undertaking a paediatric residency. Public health has been my life-long passion, so this opportunity is fulfilling. In this role, I help patients who are facing barriers to eyecare, advocating for them when they may not be able to advocate for themselves. The most enjoyable part is knowing that these patients leave feeling heard, supported, and genuinely cared for.

Have there been any unexpected challenges and how are you overcoming them?
Working in public health comes with its challenges, and I have already encountered patients from many different walks of life. As someone who is highly empathetic, I sometimes find it difficult to switch off at the end of the day and not carry the weight of my patients’ experiences with me. However, I’ve found that talking to others—whether it’s colleagues who understand the demands of the role or loved ones who offer support—has been incredibly helpful in maintaining balance and perspective.

Which OV/SA member benefits have been most helpful to you so far?
Access to clinical guidelines and OV/SA’s CPD events have been extremely useful as both a student and a recent graduate, as I can access information to complement and enhance my studies.

I was also fortunate to have participated in Optometry Australia’s 2024 Student Leadership Program. This allowed me to develop skills in communication, ideation, networking, and adaptive leadership – which I have already found extremely helpful in supporting my growth as an optometrist.

What excites you most about your future career in optometry?
I am someone who loves to continually learn and grow. I am currently enjoying upskilling with the ACO Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision and am excited to develop an expertise in paediatric eyecare. Beyond that, I am keen to continue to look for opportunities to grow. Who knows where this determination will take me!