Bhiraamy Raj

What were you doing before you came to study at City St George’s?

Before coming to City St George’s, I completed my undergraduate degree in BSc Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo in Canada. During that time, I worked in various healthcare roles, including as a medical assistant, lead research assistant for clinic trials, ergonomist, and hospital healthcare IT project support.

I also volunteered as a Faculty of Health Ambassador and as a rehabilitation assistant for cancer patients.

How did you develop an interest in this subject area and why did you choose to study this course?

I grew up believing I had perfect vision, until a long overdue eye exam during my undergraduate studies proved otherwise. While my prescription wasn’t that high, the difference in clarity after wearing glasses was eye opening.

That small yet significant change woke my interest in vision care and the impact it has on daily life. This experience inspired me to enrol into optometry, where I can help others experience the gift of clear vision and make a difference in people’s lives.

Why did you choose to study at City St George’s?

I chose to study at City St George’s because it is one of the top universities for optometry in the UK and the only one offering the course in London. City St George’s Clerkenwell campus is also within walking distance of Moorfields Eye Hospital, one of the oldest and most renowned eye hospitals in the world, which can provide amazing opportunities for learning, research, and networking.

On top of that, studying in central London means there’s always something happening, so there’s never a dull moment!

What has been your favourite thing about studying this course?

The clinical placements have been my favourite part of the course so far. Getting hands on experience with real patients, especially starting in first year, has been very rewarding and has allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in lectures to real world scenarios.

Coming into this course without an optometry background, these placements have really helped build my confidence and help prepare the skills I’ll need as a future optometrist!

What is your favourite thing about studying at City St George’s?

My favourite thing about studying at City St George’s has to be its prime location in central London. As a Canadian, living and studying in the heart of London has been an amazing experience.

In my free time, I love exploring the city and being able to walk to so many iconic landmarks, like St. Paul’s Cathedral, in less than 30 minutes. There’s always something new to see and do!

How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?

The teaching and facilities at City St George’s have been amazing. The lecturers are very knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable, making it easy to strike up a conversation or ask questions.

City St George’s also has their very own eye clinic called CitySight, which is student-led and offers eyecare for the local community!

Have you overcome any challenges during your studies?

Moving to London as an international student has been an incredible experience, one I’m truly grateful for, but it definitely came with challenges. Homesickness was a big one. I miss my family, friends, and especially my baby niece back home.

Adjusting to life without them nearby has been tough, especially when I have spent my entire life glued to their side, but staying connected through calls and visits has made it easier. I also really miss driving, especially the freedom of having a car, but I’ve learned to navigate London’s amazing transport system (even if I still think Canadian roads are better!) Over time, I’ve settled in, built a great support system here, and found ways to make London feel like home.

Through it all, I remind myself that every challenge I face is a step toward building the future my family worked so hard to give me.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?

Outside of my course, I try to stay involved in extracurriculars and clubs so I’m not just studying all the time. I’m an official 2025 College of Optometrists representative, where I share insights on student life, create blogs, and help bridge the gap between students and the College.

I’m also a Student Ambassador for City St George’s, which gives me the opportunity to connect with prospective students, share my experiences, and represent the university at events. In my free time, I volunteer with organisations focused on eye care and working with children, allowing me to give back to the community while gaining valuable patient care experience and building meaningful connections.

What do you plan to do after you graduate, and how has City helped prepare you for this?

After graduating, I plan to continue advancing my education through specialist courses and further higher-level studies, ultimately qualifying to practice in both Canada and the UK.

I’m especially interested in working in hospital settings, where I can gain experience with more complex eye conditions and work alongside a diverse team of healthcare professionals. I also hope to stay involved in research and volunteering to contribute to advancements in eye care while giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact.

City St George’s has helped me prepare for this by providing hands on training and real patient interactions early on, allowing me to build confidence in applying my skills and knowledge in real world settings.

What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?

My advice would be to definitely go for it! Once you're here, make the most of your time by joining clubs and societies. I’ve met some of the best people through them and built connections that will last a lifetime, which is especially important in optometry since your classmates will be your future colleagues.

Getting involved also helps balance the workload, meet new friends, and make the experience so much more enjoyable beyond just studying!