Lyndsay Brown
Having worked as an Optometrist with an interest in Primary Care throughout her career, Lyndsay Brown's online degree has opened up new and different opportunities for her.
| Name |
Lyndsay Brown |
| Degree |
MSc Primary Care Ophthalmology (Online Learning) |
| Year of Graduation | 2017 |
Your time at the University
Historically the University of Edinburgh has played a key role in advances in Ophthalmology, and having worked as an Optometrist with an interest in Primary Care throughout my career, this course was an opportunity to fulfil a desire to pursue a higher degree in a subject close to my heart. I did not appreciate it at the time, but I would be joining a succession of family members to have graduated from the University of Edinburgh.
I particularly valued being able to learn online, allowing the freedom to study at anytime of the day or night. The virtual platform enabled interaction with fellow students from different disciplines and academic backgrounds worldwide. I was most impressed by the content, quality and delivery of the course, but most importantly the strict discipline of the conduct and rigour expected from such a reputable institution.
I was very fortunate to be able to come to campus and participate in the many courses and opportunities available to develop new skills. The most memorable for me was learning the tools to help deliver a successful presentation. Feeling and controlling the fear!
I am particularly proud to have graduated from such a prestigious University and to be awarded the Sir David Brewster Medal from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
I was very fortunate to be able to come to campus and participate in the many courses and opportunities available to develop new skills. The most memorable for me was learning the tools to help deliver a successful presentation. Feeling and controlling the fear!
Your experiences since leaving the University
I can say without any hesitation that new and different opportunities have presented themselves since graduating. After completing my MSc in 2017, I was approached to assist on a Research Project within NHS Lothian, allowing me to use research skills gained from the course. I have also been appointed a tutor on the online MSc programme and I am looking forward to helping make education more accessible worldwide. This is an important step for me having personally witnessed the difficulties accessing health and education in West Africa.
Most recently I have applied for a position on a Fitness to Practice hearing panel. What struck me most when filling out the application form and evidencing my competencies, was how many times I drew on examples from my work produced during the MSc, adding further validation to how much I personally gained from doing the course and the importance of pursuing a higher degree.
Alumni Wisdom
Some of the tasks expected might look daunting and impossible, but don’t put off the difficult things, as it is the achievement of those that ultimately gives you a huge sense of achievement. Turning “how will I ever manage to do that, to, my goodness did I do that!”
Don’t try to compare yourself to others as everyone is uniquely different, and most of all take great care in everything you do and how you treat your fellow students.