Optometrist MEHEK DUTTA details her career journey at OPSM – from beginnings as an optical dispenser during university, to the mentorships that have set her up as a managing optometrist.
Ms Mehek Dutta’s professional journey began with EssilorLuxottica as a second-year optometry student. From the outset, she wanted a career with company that placed its patients at the forefront and upheld standards of clinical excellence.
“I was attracted to optometry as I could witness the immediate transformative impact of my work which was a unique privilege. Each eye examination, prescription, and pair of glasses is a chance to make a tangible difference in someone’s quality of life which I find extremely fulfilling,” she said.
Dutta was initially located at OPSM Remuera in Auckland, New Zealand, as an optical dispenser during her second year of university.
“I enjoyed being involved with store teams, optometrists, and customers, furthering my understanding of optometry and my commitment to pursuing this wonderful career,” she said.
During her time at university, Dutta pursued further study–and was awarded first prize– in the field of 3D printed contact lenses for corneal wound healing. Here, she discovered her passion for myopia control.
“Having been diagnosed with myopia at the age of 12, I experienced the challenges of blurred vision and its impact on quality of life first-hand. From this, I grew to admire the optometrist’s role beyond prescribing glasses, as I learnt the pathological complexities and consequences of uncontrolled myopia,” she said.
“Naturally, I conducted my honours project on the effect of low dose atropine to support my future clinical practice.”
During her final year at university, Dutta was hosted by OPSM Queensgate and Ms Astha Rai in Wellington, New Zealand, which is where she commenced her optometry career the following year.
“As I’m originally from Auckland, so moving to Wellington was a big step for me that became the best I ever made. Queensgate was a busy and wonderful store to begin my graduate journey. At times it pushed boundaries to accelerate my career in the right direction and equip me with knowledge to best suit our customers,” she said.
Dutta said the support from the OPSM mentorship has been invaluable in allowing her to take the next step in her career as a managing optometrist for the Wellington region.
“I was relocated to Lambton Quay in Wellington CBD, where I supported both the retail and clinical aspects of the store to achieve great results. The unwavering support from my Area Eyecare Manager, Mr Oliver Munro, and Country Manager, Ms Tegan Matheson, has been the greatest asset in my career journey. Their guidance has equipped me with the skills, support, and space to accelerate my professional growth,” she said.
Dutta received the LEDA (Luxottica Eyecare Development Award) scholarship this year which supported further studies in glaucoma and its management and completed the Glaucoma Prescriber Certification through the Australian College of Optometry, where she collaborated with local ophthalmologists in the region.
Additionally, Dutta was selected as one of the myopia leaders in the Myopia Leaders program, which she said was invaluable to her professional development.
“During a training event, I learnt from the expertise of Dr Kate Gifford at our EssilorLuxottica head office in Sydney. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but have positioned me at the forefront of initiatives shaping the optometry landscape,” she said.
As she embarks on the next phase of her career as a managing optometrist, Dutta said she is enthusiastic about offering support and mentorship to the class of OPSM graduates in 2024.
“I see this as a valuable opportunity not only to share my experiences but to learn and grow alongside my peers. Building a collaborative and supportive environment within our team is a priority for me and I am excited to continue my career journey with OPSM,” she said.
More reading
Inside EssilorLuxottica’s Eyecare Roadshow for OPSM and Laubman & Pank optometrists
How EssilorLuxottica and OPSM are developing the myopia leaders of tomorrow
Optometrist opportunities beyond the consulting room at EssilorLuxottica ANZ
