Starting out as a first year optometry and vision science student can be a little daunting at times. There are plenty of differences between high school and university to navigate as you acclimatise to your first term. That’s why joining our peer mentoring groups helps you to land on your feet and get off to a positive start.
Peer mentees benefit from the experience and advice of our seasoned fourth year students. Peer mentors help you make the most of uni life and hit the ground running. As fourth years, your mentors will have experience of the classes you will soon be doing, and they will guide you through any confusion or questions you may have in the early weeks.
The peer mentoring program is an opportunity to make friends with your new university peers, friendships you may potentially have for life. Like all degrees, studying optometry and vision science can be challenging at times, so developing a group of study buddies early on is a great way to help your academic progress.
How to enroll in a peer mentoring group
Please register to one of the peer mentoring groups below
If you have any difficulties or questions, email Michelle Wanandy.
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Emily Mai
Hi! My name is Emily and I am super keen to be your peer mentor! I know the transition into uni can be overwhelming at first, but I hope to make this experience as easy and welcoming as possible! I’m excited to chat and share any advice about uni or life. I currently work at Specsavers as an optical assistant and have also had the rewarding experience of being involved in societies such as Giving Sight and SWAG. In my free time, I enjoy baking, trying new food places with friends, watching musicals and exploring scenic hiking trails. Can’t wait to meet and get to know you better!
Availability
Monday at 9am-10am and after 1pm; Tuesday after 2pm, Wednesday after 1pm, Thursday not available, Friday after 3pm
Srivarrthani Balasubramani (Sri)
Hello! ‘Eye’ would like to introduce myself 😂, I’m Sri Balasubramani and I am thrilled to potentially be your Peer Mentor for 2024, guiding you through what might seem like the ‘big unknown’ right now. From juggling studies, exploring campus life, finding work experience or just for a general chat, I’ve got your back! Besides Optometry, I love to go to the gym, try new team sports and have even ventured into theatre recently. I am excited to share my experiences with you, create a safe place for self-discovery and help make university life more fun and fulfilling
Availability
Monday at 9am-10am and after 12 noon; Tuesday after 2pm, Wednesday after 1pm, Thursday not available, Friday after 3pm
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Carmen Chan
Hi, my name is Carmen! As a fourth-year optometry student working at 1001 Optical, I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone joining the field of optometry. I understand the challenges of transitioning to university life, having vivid memories of my own excitement and nervousness when I started. University is more than just academics; it's an opportunity to make friends and explore your interests! I’m proficient in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I’ll try my best to help you acclimate to university life, making the transition a bit smoother in any way possible! Look forward to meeting everyone, thank you!
Availability
Monday 9am-5pm; Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11am, Thursday not available, Friday 9am - 12noon
Angela Park
Hi! My name is Angela and I’m a 4th year Optometry student. Nice to meet you :) Through this program, I would love to provide the support and insights you need to feel fully at ease and ready to navigate the intricacies of this course. Outside of my studies, I work at Oscar Wylee as an optical dispenser. I love interacting with animals, drawing, NYT crosswords, and collecting silly little figurines.
I hope I can give all the advice you need to experience a smooth transition and make the most of your first year in Optometry!
Availability
Monday 9am-11am; Tuesday after 11am, Wednesday all day, Thursday at 11am - 2pm, Friday after 3pm
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Anthony Duong
Fourth Year Optometry Student studying how to professionally say “which one is clearer, 1 or 2?” Of course, this is only one part of the multi-disciplinary, optometric consultation.
I began studying Optometry because of my curiosity to learn about the small and intricate globes which gives us sight, particularly how it works and how to manage it. Moreover, Optometry is a pathway that allows me to be hands-on while communicating with patients about their ocular health. In my spare time, I like to play sports (basketball, frisbee and long-distance running), go on hikes + beach, and trying new food.
Availability
Monday 9am-11am; Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11am, Thursday after 4pm, Friday after 3pm
Jennifer Du
Hi there and welcome to SOVS! My name is Jennifer. When I’m not at university or working at an optometry clinic, you’ll find me trying out new recipes, eating good food, learning to play the guitar, or exploring new hiking trails.
I understand how challenging starting university can be so, as a peer mentor, I’d love to share some of my experiences with you to help with the transition into uni life and into the degree so that you can make the most out of your first year.
I look forward to meeting you all! :)
Availability
Monday 9am-11am; Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11am, Thursday after 4pm, Friday after 3pm
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Angela Aaraj
Hey, I’m Angela! Navigating optometry, I bring academic expertise and a passion to enhance your university experience. Beyond tutoring and uni study, you’ll find me trying new restaurants, hiking or scrolling through TikTok for hours on end. I enthusiastically serve as the Secretary for the Giving Sight society and previously held the role of third-year representative for OptomSoc. Having faced the challenges of the transition myself, I understand the importance of a supportive mentor, so I aim to help you adjust seamlessly to university life. I would love to be your source of advice and support and am more than happy to share my experiences or answer any questions so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Availability
Monday at 9am - 10am and after 1pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday after 1pm; Thursday not available; Friday after 3pm
Monica Abouharb
Hello, I'm Monica! I’m a fourth-year optometry student currently working as an optical assistant at Eyecare Plus. In my free time, you’ll find me trying out new places to eat and binge-watching shows on Netflix. Being part of this peer mentoring program is an opportunity I’m really looking forward to. I still remember feeling both nervous and excited when I first started university. As your mentor, I would be eager to share my experiences and insights to help ease your journey. From sharing study tips to embracing campus life, I'm here to offer guidance and support. Let's make this transition memorable and enjoyable together.
Availability
Monday at 9am - 10am and after 1pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday after 1pm; Thursday not available; Friday after 3pm
Nicole Liu
Hi everyone !! I'm Nicole, a 4th year optometry student, and very keen to be apart of the program ^^ A little bit about me - I currently work at Specsavers as an optical assistant, and have tutored here and there for the university. Outside of study and work, I enjoy drawing, dancing and learning new languages, and am slowly learning to play the guitar (when I feel guilty about it gathering dust in my room)!! Though I'm very much a homebody, I love to explore the city for cozy cafes, funky dinner spots and lookouts with pretty views, and more of less being a tourist in my own city... I know how overwhelming it can be to transition into university, but I hope we can get through it together and find some fun along the way ((: Excited to meeting you all and hope to see you all soon!!
Availability
Monday at 9am - 10am and after 1pm; Tuesday all day; Wednesday after 1pm; Thursday not available; Friday after 3pm
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Jianlan Guo
"Hello, I'm Jianlan, entering my fourth year and eager to be your mentor. In my free time, I love travelling, exploring new recipes, and staying active at the gym. Yet, the moments I treasure most are those with family and friends. As your mentor, I'm here to share insights, offer guidance, and create a supportive space for your university journey. Whether navigating academics or swapping favourite restaurants in Sydney, let's make your first year memorable. I look forward to connecting with you and embarking on this exciting adventure together. "
Availability
Monday at 9am-11am; Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11am, Thursday after 4pm, Friday after 3pm
Phillip Tran
"Hey future mentees! My name is Phill, I currently work in a practice that specialises in Behavioural Optometry and Vision Therapy in Sydney South West. I’m here to help guide you in balancing your first uni experiences while having fun along the way. When I'm not unravelling the mysteries of eyesight, you can catch me fuelling my passion for cars, rolling on the Jiu-Jitsu mats, or dabbling in UNSW Arc Sport. I am eager to help you seamlessly transition into the exciting world of uni life. Looking forward to meeting you all!"
Availability
Monday at 9am-11am; Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11am, Thursday after 4pm, Friday after 3pm
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Monica Lam
Hi! I am Monica, a 4th year Optometry student and I am excited to be a peer mentor :) I currently work as an optical assistant at Bailey Nelson. I have been involved in societies such as Giving Sight. I spend my spare time binge watching Netflix, reading books, swooning over Kdramas or waiting for my acceptance letter to Hogwarts. If I’m not stuck at home, you can find me exploring food places around Sydney and fuelling my bubble tea addiction. Looking forward to meeting you all and helping you guys navigate through first year!
Availability
Monday at 9am-10am and after 1pm; Tuesday after 2pm, Wednesday after 1pm, Thursday not available, Friday after 3pm
Tony Le
Hi there! I’m Tony, an optometry student! I’m currently employed as a casual optical assistant, and I’ve worked as a high school tutor during my studies. Additionally, I’m serving as the 2024 Treasurer for Student Outreach to the World (SOW), one of the Evangelical Christian societies on campus; and I was previously involved with SOVS SWAG! I’m more than willing to help you out with your transition to university, whether it’ll be study tips, finding classrooms, making new friends, or even finding the best food around campus – feel free to approach me for advice! Keen to meet you all!
Availability
Monday at 9am-10am and after 1pm; Tuesday after 2pm, Wednesday after 1pm, Thursday not available, Friday after 3pm
Tracey Tran
Hi, I’m Tracey! I am going into my 4th year studying a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry and working as an optical assistant at Specsavers and a private tutor. Fun fact I studied a bit of physiotherapy before transferring into the program. I am a big foodie and in my spare time, I like to check out new food spots, binge shows on Netflix, and try new recipes to cook. I am excited to be there as you start your new chapter as I was once a first year too. Ask me any questions about student life, campus eats, studying, and a day in the life of an optom student.
Availability
Monday at 9am-10am and after 1pm; Tuesday after 2pm, Wednesday after 1pm, Thursday not available, Friday after 3pm