Student Leadership Program

Our Student Leadership Program is designed to give students the skills they need to become future leaders within the optometry profession.

The program includes a variety of coaching sessions focusing on different models of leadership, understanding the purpose of leadership and clarifying guiding values. It is designed to ensure optometry’s emerging leaders have the skills to navigate the anticipated opportunities and challenges of a changing optometry landscape.

Participants are also provided opportunities to network formally and informally with established leaders in optometry.

2024 applications closed

Optometry Australia will again partner with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE) to deliver the Optometrists Leadership Hub, an initiative aimed at empowering optometry students with essential soft skills and equipping them to become effective leaders in their field. The Optometrists Leadership Hub will be facilitated by Jahin Tanvir, a fellow optometry student, Student Leadership Program Alumni, CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship and all-round superstar.

The program includes:

• Virtual access to on-demand content via ASE’s accessible Space platform, allowing participants to develop ‘soft skills’ at their own pace.
• Access to live webinars connecting participants with their peers and optometry sector leaders.
• An in-person event in each major state, jointly facilitated by Optometry Australia and ASE with the opportunity to connect to peers, student leadership program alumni and local sector leaders.

How to apply

Applications are now closed.

Applicants should write a brief (ideally, no more than one A4 page) response to the below questions:

• What do you think being a leader means?
• What leadership experience have you had?
• Why do you think you would benefit from participating in the Student Leadership Program?

Include at least one referee contact. Please note we do not need support letters.

Email your application to student@optometry.org.au with ‘Application: 2024 Student Leadership Program’ in the subject line. Please quote your membership number.

There are 15 places available. Applicants must be enrolled at an Australian or NZ university.

Australian students must be a member of Optometry Australia – membership is complimentary for Australian optometry students; sign up here.

New Zealand students must be a member of NZAO; sign up here.

100% of students who attended this program said they learnt new skills and would recommend it to their optometry peers. We look forward to receiving your application!

The 2024 Student Leadership Program is proudly sponsored by Alcon.