Two Optometry Students Shine with Cum Laude Honours

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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