Join Tianni on a journey through the world of optometry, where mentorship, research, and the inspiring women in academia have helped shape her career.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my journey in optometry and the pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped my career. During my final year as an optometry student, I had the privilege of working on a research project under the guidance of Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton and Associate Professor Jacqueline Tan-Showyin. Their mentorship was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of research, leading our work to achieve the best overall mark prize and be published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. This early exposure to research ignited a passion that continues to drive my journey.
After spending a year in private practice, an opportunity arose to return to research, and I took on the role of Research Optometrist within the Eye Research Group. This position allowed me to be at the forefront of clinical trials, investigating advancements in eye care and contributing to meaningful discoveries in the field. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to be the first author on two publications, co-author on four others, and present our work at both international and domestic conferences, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting and the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) clinical conference. Additionally, I have had the rewarding experience of co-supervising over ten Master of Optometry students in their research projects, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of optometrists. These experiences have deepened my passion for research and reinforced its critical role in advancing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.
Beyond the scientific and clinical aspects of my work, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned has come from observing the incredible women in academia around me. I have seen female academics at our school seamlessly navigate multiple roles—mother, daughter, researcher, leader, and educator. They embrace these responsibilities with resilience and grace, demonstrating that a fulfilling career and a rich personal life are not mutually exclusive but can complement and strengthen each other.
International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on these inspiring examples and to acknowledge the many ways women contribute to research, education, and leadership while balancing the demands of their personal lives. Their journeys remind me that success is not defined by a single role but by the ability to integrate multiple aspects of life meaningfully.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am inspired by the women who have shaped my journey and the countless others advancing optometry and academia. Moving forward, I aim to follow in the footsteps of these role models who have shown resilience, leadership, and dedication, striving to make meaningful contributions to both the profession and the lives of those we serve.
Happy International Women’s Day!
