You were President for the Ophthalmology Society at King’s; can you tell us more about this role and the society?
As KCL Ophthalmology President 2024/25, my role involved leading the committee to deliver high-quality events and promote student engagement. The KCL Ophthalmology Society is a student-run group hosting events related to the specialty, on scientific advancements, and the pursuit of a career in the field.
My aims as President were three-fold:
- Delivering flagship events, including the teaching series and the annual conference
- Introducing new wellbeing initiatives
- Expanding our charitable work
Through the hard work of the committee, we achieved this, through hosting events including case discussions, practical workshops (fundoscopy, A–E assessments), social events (movie night, pub quiz), the national conference, the wellbeing series, the teaching series, our charity event and fundraising with the Royal Society of Blind Children, and expanded our social media presence - including a newly established newsletter and our 'Ophthalmology Advent Calendar.'
As a medical student at King’s, what made you want to get involved with the society and take this role on?
I had gained familiarity with the society's work through previously serving as Vice-President (2023-24). Coupled with my leading interest in ophthalmology, I was excited for the opportunity to lead a team and improve my soft skills. Furthermore, ophthalmology is particularly less taught relative to other medical specialties as part of the medical curriculum. Involvement in this society enabled me to provide teaching opportunities and exposure to the field to address this gap.
Earlier this year, the society held its annual Ophthalmology National Conference; what were the aims of the event, and how did it go?
The KCL Ophthalmology National Conference 2025 was titled 'Advancements and the Future of Ophthalmology,' with the goal of providing delegates with insights into the specialty and sub-specialties, hands-on opportunities, and exploration of research.
The conference was a success and well-received by delegates. We hosted a range of world-renowned speakers on topical themes, including 'Predicting referable diabetic retinopathy using deep learning' by Dr Paul Nderitu, 'Glaucoma: Past, Present and Future' by Mr Mohammed Abu-Bakra, 'Suspected disc swelling? What to do next' by Dr Sui Wong, and 'Cataracts surgery: 75 years on from Harold Ridley’s world first' by Professor Christopher Hammond.
Afternoon workshops included guidance on the ophthalmology portfolio, experiencing ophthalmic surgeries and procedures through virtual reality (VR), an AI hackathon workshop, and a micro-surgery workshop. The event would not have been possible without the hard work of the committee and the support of Mr Abu-Bakra, our society patron.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years, I will hopefully be undertaking an Academic Clinical Fellowship in Ophthalmology. I am keen to pursue an academic career in the field.
What do you do with your time outside of academia/your studies?
I am a keen tennis and badminton player and additionally enjoy the gym in my spare time.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is publishing my first first-author publication. This paper explored temporal trends in venous thrombus embolism.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Summer
Favourite London restaurant: Circolo popolare
Favourite book: The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat
Coffee order: Flat white