Queensland-based OPSM optometrist Sayo Kokubun has found professional growth and personal fulfilment in mentoring, while guiding new graduates to independence and confidence in practice.
For Robina OPSM optometrist Ms Sayo Kokubun, mentoring a new graduate has proven just as rewarding for her own development as it has been for the colleague she has guided.
Reflecting on her experience supporting Millur Gao during his first year in practice, Kokubun said watching his progression from a talented graduate to a confident clinician was deeply satisfying.
“I really enjoyed mentoring Millur in his first year of practice as I was given the opportunity to see an enthusiastic and skilled new graduate become a confident and independent optometrist,” she said.
“Another rewarding moment was shortly after he moved to his new store after completing his first three months of training with me, when I heard from his new team members about how impressed they were of his professionalism and initiatives in the workplace.”
Growing together
While mentoring is about helping the next generation, Kokubun emphasised that it also spurred her own professional growth.
“Mentoring a new optometrist for me has helped me grow in a number of ways. Mentoring has helped me improve my communication and problem-solving skills,” she explained.
“It has also given me a great source of fulfilment and accomplishment by seeing the impact my advice and guidance can make to others. Even though my mentee and I now work in different stores, we still continue to reach out whenever either of us needs a second opinion and we exchange our knowledges and experiences.”
Building confidence and independence
A central part of Kokubun’s approach is knowing when to step back, giving new graduates space to problem-solve while still being available to provide reassurance and resources.
“I try to foster confidence and independence in my new graduates by giving them the time, tools and encouragement to work through and come to conclusions by themselves,” she said.
“I do this because I know through my own personal experience when I was freshly out of university, most often I had an answer but just need some reassurance. By encouraging them to problem solve, it helps to build their confidence in trusting themselves if a similar scenario was to present again.”
When a graduate is less certain, Kokubun takes a collaborative approach: “I would guide them by asking if they have checked or asked certain things or done certain tests, guide them to resources they can use, and share my knowledge and experiences. Then we discuss to problem solve together the specific scenario.”
The power of teamwork
Kokubun also credits the broader practice team as playing an essential role in helping graduates settle in and deliver consistent care.
“I believe that teamwork and collaboration within the practice is a vital part in supporting new graduates but also in supporting any optometrist. Each team member in store plays an important role in delivering a seamless patient journey,” she said.
From reception staff who prepare patients before appointments, to preliminary testers who smooth patient flow, to dispensers who continue the care journey, Kokubun said each stage contributes to reducing stress for new optometrists and ensuring patients feel supported.
“Finally, if multiple optometrists are working in one store, colleagues can help each other and new graduate so the day runs more smoothly,” she added.
Advice for future mentors
Asked what guidance she would share with others stepping into mentoring roles, Kokubun pointed to empathy, encouragement and perspective.
“My advice to future mentors is to always listen first to your mentee, guide them in the right direction when needed, and commend their work and achievements no matter how small,” she said.
“We are there to guide and help them reach their full potential which in turn will also help you achieve your own full potential as well. Each mentor is unique and can make a difference to their mentee’s life by providing them with their own valuable insights, experiences and tools to succeed.”
