16 May 2025 Volume :13 Issue :15

Two Optometry Students Shine with Cum Laude Honours

Spotted at graduation is Ms Zainab Norat.

Two Bachelor of Optometry Students Ms Faatima Dawood and Ms Zainab Norat graduated cum laude at a UKZN ceremony.

Norat said the achievement came as a surprise. ‘I was really shocked because cum laude in Optometry is very difficult to achieve,’ she said. ‘When I saw my final results, I was very proud as I worked very hard.’

Norat’s passion for optometry was inspired by her own experience of receiving her first pair of glasses. ‘Seeing how clear everything became was an amazing feeling and I wanted to help others experience a clear world too,’ she explained.

The road to graduation wasn’t easy. Starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic meant adjusting to online learning while navigating the transition from high school to tertiary education. ‘It was hard to make friends and adapt to the content, but I eventually found a good study routine and leaned on senior students for guidance,’ she said.

Though always confident in theory-based assessments, Norat said she found practical exams challenging. ‘Practical assessments made me so nervous that I was scared I had chosen the wrong degree. But with time and experience, I grew more confident, especially in final-year.’

Throughout her studies, Norat found strength in her family and faith. ‘My mother’s support was vital, and I turned to prayer when I needed extra help,’ she said.

Describing herself as an introvert who loves nature, animals, baking and reading, Zainab remains focused on her goal: ‘To one day open my own practice and help bring clear vision to as many people as I can.’

She is currently working as a locum optometrist across several practices, gaining valuable experience on her path to establishing a full-time career.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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