Student Academic Award winner for Flinders University announced

Jayden Vu has been awarded the 2026 OV/SA Student Academic Award for Flinders University, Adelaide. Recipients of these awards are selected by the three Australian university optometry faculties and conferred upon students who demonstrate academic excellence, as well as a strong commitment to patient care and professionalism.

We spoke to Jayden recently about his time as a student, and how his career as an optometrist is shaping up so far.

Congratulations, Jayden, on winning the OV/SA Flinders University Student Academic Award! Can you share a couple highlights of your optometry studies?
The highlights of my studies were undoubtedly the experiences and people I met along the way. I moved away from home, made many friends at college, and spent regular late-night study sessions with my peers at the library. During my final year, I met incredible mentors while participating in Nepal Outreach, as well as working across individual practices, and at Health2Go. The important experiences I gained showed me different perspectives of optometric care, which guide how I continually improve patient care.

What are you enjoying in your new role as an optometrist?
I currently work at Specsavers, in the Perth suburb of Morley, WA. The most humbling and enjoyable moments have been my patients returning with new visual aids that they love, prompt treatment through referrals, and patients expressing gratitude to their families and to me. Further, the diagnostic equipment and treatments available at the clinic where I work allow me to expand my scope of practice and provide quality ongoing care to more patients.

Have there been any surprises or unexpected challenges, and how did you overcome them?
After work, it was difficult not to constantly wonder whether I had provided the highest level of care possible for my patients that day. With great support from my mentors and colleagues, this has become easier over time, and my decision-making is improving. I now feel more at ease with the responsibility I carry for my patients.

Which OV/SA member benefits have been most helpful to you so far?
The 2025 Optometry Australia Student Leadership Program taught me essential skills that became valuable habits, right from the beginning of my clinical placements. It was a unique opportunity to delve into important life skills and collaborate with other optometry students across the country.
The OA Help Desk has provided me with prompt, high-level support for a variety of enquiries, including website/account changes, contract support, and more.

What excites you most about your future career in optometry?
I am looking forward to seizing opportunities to diversify my career in the future, including mentorship, leadership, ownership, and teaching. I am curious about how optometry will change with the rapid growth in technology, artificial intelligence, and the scope of practice. I hope these changes will significantly improve the care optometrists provide to our patients.