Danni Nguyen

I am a first-generation Australian with Vietnamese heritage. Within my family of six, I hold the position of the eldest daughter. Alongside my full-time occupation as an orthoptist, I have achieved a second-degree black belt in Tae kwon do and am actively training in the art of Muay Thai.

Through my experiences, I have come to understand that the journey towards eye health can be challenging, intimidating, and isolating. For that reason, I am passionate about treating and supporting my patients as if they were family. It is this deep connection that drives me to consistently deliver the utmost level of care.

Since childhood, my fascination with healthcare, particularly in the field of eye care, has been unwavering. This enthusiasm, coupled with my educational background in Bachelor of Vision Science, has further nurtured my love for this specialised area. Moreover, my time working as an optical dispenser during my university studies has sparked a genuine curiosity about the journey of patients referred by optometrists.

In addition to being the sole university in Sydney that offers this particular course, I had the opportunity to attend a summer camp at UTS during my high school years. I was highly impressed by the campus infrastructure and the amiable nature of the staff, which further fueled my admiration for the institution.

During my academic journey, I acquired knowledge in various areas, such as the binocular visual system, low vision, neurological ocular disorders, and ocular pathologies. Furthermore, I gained practical skills and familiarity with relevant machinery, therapy, and management techniques pertaining to each of these subjects. These skills were further honed through hands-on experience during clinical placements. Additionally, I learnt the valuable skill of personal reflection as a means of fostering professional development.

The course I undertook has proven to be immensely rewarding as it has equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively handle a diverse range of responsibilities pertaining to patient eye care. These responsibilities encompass various tasks such as performing comprehensive patient screenings, accurately measuring cataract and refractive parameters, and delicately performing suture removals. Additionally, I play an active role in conducting clinical trials, administering intravitreal injections, assisting minor procedures, and providing patient education and therapy. On the administrative front, I am entrusted with obtaining consent, organising surgical schedules, and managing stock orders. Recently, I have also been involved in creating presentation slides for my ophthalmologist's international talks and will be contributing to the management of social media platforms.

By establishing a practical and comprehensive weekly schedule, I effectively achieved a balanced integration of my postgraduate studies and other obligations, such as work. Also, I employed the practice of diligently noting all assignment deadlines on my desk calendar and initiating assignments well in advance. This strategy allowed me to allocate sufficient time for personal pursuits, including spending quality moments with family and friends, as well as enjoying hobbies that serve as stress relievers.

I am currently working at Central Sydney Eye Surgeons in Newtown. I achieved exponential personal and professional growth by wholeheartedly embracing the challenges that arose when I applied and honed the skills I acquired in the classroom to real-life situations. From my course, I learned to approach my work with unwavering curiosity and enthusiasm, actively seeking chances to learn and broaden my knowledge by asking insightful questions. By adopting this mindset, I have not only deepened my understanding but also empowered myself to make valuable contributions throughout my journey.

My primary career objective is to enhance the well-being of patients by offering comprehensive eye care and fostering a supportive environment for their visual health. This aspiration is driven by my desire to assist individuals, particularly those lacking external support systems, both presently and in the future. Upon acquiring additional orthoptic experience, I am eager to pursue a role as a practitioner teacher at UTS, where I can impart my expertise and knowledge to aspiring students. This desire to contribute to the education and development of future professionals in the field is another significant goal of mine.

If you possess a genuine passion for making a meaningful impact on people's lives, I highly recommend considering this course. Personally, I experience a profound sense of moral fulfillment every day when I return home from work. Rest assured, you will receive guidance from exceptional educators who are committed to your success. Additionally, you can expect an enjoyable and enriching experience throughout your studies.