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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Winston Chau
Hi!! My name is Winston and I’m super excited to potentially be one of your peer mentors :) I know that transitioning from high school into uni can be a challenging process and being part of optomsoc for the past 2 years, I would love to provide you the support you need to navigate through uni. Outside of uni, I like to play games, collect silly figurines and explore new food places. I’ll try my best to help you navigate through your first year academically and socially so that you can enjoy your time studying optometry :) 
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
Sophie Lee
Hey guys! My name is Sophie and I'm a 4th year studying Optometry. As your peer mentor, I'm here to make the transition into university that tad bit easier and less overwhelming! Your first year of university should be about embracing your newfound freedom so I would be more than happy to share my experience, advice and also regrets :') Aside from work and study, you would probably find me exploring restaurants to eat in Sydney, binging a new reality show, at my overpriced gym or on my long journey to getting my Ps... Really keen to meet everyone and hope to see you soon!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
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Patrick Hoang
Hi! I'm Patrick (you could also call me Pat). I'm a fourth year optometry student and very keen to be one of your peer mentors. Aside from studying, I love to wander around the city and try new cafes (yes, I love my coffee and matcha) or whenever I feel like staying at home, I dabble in a bit of computer games. I also do a bit of photography and videography on the side! I'm so excited to share all my experiences with you to make the transition from high school to uni life a much more enjoyable experience. Can't wait to meet you all!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
Ruth Huynh
Hi everyone! I'm Ruth, can't wait to meet you guys and share my experience of uni so far! Uni is really not that daunting and I am here to help you guys have a seamless transition into the Optom course. I will make sure that you have the time of your life (through making new friends or going to events) while maintaining good marks. If anyone needs a gym or pilates buddy, or someone to munch food with, eye got you. Eye will buy you eyes-cream. I hope to be not just a mentor, but a friend you can all confide in as well!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
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Yasmine Ly
Hi! I'm Yasmine, a 4th year optometry student working at Specsavers, and I’m thrilled to be your peer mentor this year! Starting uni can feel daunting, but we’re here to guide you and help make your experience memorable. Outside of uni, I’m always on the hunt for the best brunch and dinner spots and love capturing memories on my digital camera, especially during sunset and sunrise walks. So whether you have questions about starting uni, optometry, or just want some food recommendations, I’ll be here to answer any questions or just to have a chat :)
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
Hala Khaldi
Hi, I’m Hala and I’m really excited to be your new peer mentor! When I first started optometry I was brimming with complicated questions and I didn’t know where to go with them- so I’ll try my best to answer them for you. You can talk to me about anything at all from uni to yourself, personally I’m avidly into poetry and arts whilst working at an independent optometry clinic. I can’t wait to meet you and help you on your journey.
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
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Hanelle Lee
Hi I'm Hanelle! I understand how intimidating and stressful the transition into uni can be. As your mentor, I am excited to offer all the advice and insights into not only getting through the course, but also enjoying the journey. Outside of studying, I'm involved in the Science Society as a marketing director, and am currently working at Specsavers as a dispenser and at the Centre for Eye Health as an optical assistant. These experiences have given me the opportunity to develop my ability to balance work, studies and fun. I am keen to meet you guys and hope to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for a smooth transition into uni life!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
Adrian Choy
Hi everyone, I'm Adrian. Transitioning your journey to Â鶹Éçmadou, let alone at any university will be overwhelming and scary for 1st yr students. However reaching my 4th yr with this degree, I'll delighted to be you guys' mentor and have a chat to share stories, experiences, and give advice/support on your new university life, whether through academics or trivial stuff like discovering the shortcuts and best study spots on campus. Right now, I am a part-time dispenser with 1001 Optometry and was a PASS Mentor for the 1st Yr Optics courses back when I was 3rd Year. Nevertheless apart from optom, I love learning languages, reading, karaok-ing(?) and playing/watching basketball. Looking forward to meeting you guys!
Availability
TBC
Emma Pham
Hi!! My name is Emma and I’m a 4th year optometry student excited to be your mentor this year. I remember feeling clueless and overwhelmed in my first year since transitioning into uni can be quite hard. I hope I will be able to share insights and tips to make your journey smoother and help you navigate these initial challenges. I love exploring new restaurants, travelling and binge watching movies. I'm excited to share my experiences and am always available for a chat about anything. Hopefully, your first year of uni can be a bit more manageable and lots of fun!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
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Simon Wu
Hi, my name is Simon! Congratulations and welcome to the world of Vision Science/Optometry. I'd love to connect with you throughout this program to help make navigating this degree and your university life a lot easier. University is the ideal environment for you to grow and apply yourselves, whether it be in academics or society, and I am here to pass on my own personal experience to help you get through the challenges you may face. Aside from Optometry, I enjoy regular fitness, playing chess and occasionally going on a foodie adventure. Look forward to meeting everyone, thank you!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11:00am, Thursday after 4:00pm and Friday after 3:00pm
Tina Phan
Hi future mentees! My name is Tina and I'm super keen to be your mentor! I remember how helpful my peer mentors were to anxious first-year me who was trying to navigate through the uni terrains from meeting new friends to completing my first uni assignment - I'm hoping I can be that person for you too! When I'm not tutoring or working as an optical assistant in Sydney South West, you'll either find me exploring new food places I have saved on my TikTok, going to pilates with friends or simply binging Netflix (because we all want to be a homebody on some days). Looking forward to meeting y'all soon!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 11:00am, Thursday after 4:00pm and Friday after 3:00pm
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Jennifer Lo
Hi I'm Jennifer and I'm very excited to be your peer mentor! Just a bit about myself, I enjoy volunteering, reading books, travelling and picnics. Entering uni can be scary and daunting, but I hope that I can help make this transition as fun and enjoyable as possible. Feel free to reach out if you need any advice or help and I am always happy to share any past experiences. Looking forward to meeting you all!
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday after 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday after 11:00am and Friday after 3:00pm
Jessica Hong
Hi I'm Jessica! I'm a Kiwi who moved to Sydney to study Optometry and I can't wait to be your peer mentor! Navigating uni life can be tough, especially in a new country. But when I took part of the mentoring programme, I felt a lot more comfortable in adjusting to uni so I'm hoping to be someone you can talk to regarding balancing uni life along with part time work and social life. My hobbies include trying new food spots (I'm on a mission to find the best matcha latte in Sydney), Zumba and going to Coogee.
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday all day, Wednesday after 1:00pm, and Friday after 3:00pm
Hao-Wei Chen
Hi, my name is Hao-Wei and I'm here to help you transition into uni life. Whether it's making new friendships, navigating the uni page or just having a good chat, I've got you. I still remember signing up for this program in first year - overwhelmed with both excitement and uncertainty - but I promise you this will be one of the most worthwhile and rewarding experiences you'll have. If I'm not reading, I'm probably on a hike. Otherwise, you'll find me eating pasta and demolishing blocks of cheese. I'm eager to meet you all and let's work together to make this year remarkable and memorable!   Â
Availability
Monday at 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Wednesday all day, Thursday at 10:00am - 4:00pm and Friday after 3:00pm