Some stories stay with you because they sound like pure determination in action. This one belongs to Wania, an optometrist from Pakistan, who recently managed to clear the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand’s (OCANZ’s) Competency in Optometry Exam (COE), a licensure exam every international optometrist must qualify for before practising in Australia or New Zealand.
Dr. Akram Ahmad sat down with Wania for a podcast where she spoke openly about her path, the struggles in between, and the support that helped her make it through.
A Leap of Faith and Her Whole Life Changed
Wania graduated in 2021 from the University of Lahore. After spending about a year working at Iftikhar Hospital, she decided to move to Australia. By early 2022, she was in Melbourne.
“It was humbling,” she admitted. “But honestly, it became the best training ground. I learned how clinics here really function, from patient pre-tests to dispensing lenses. Moreover, I learned how to communicate with patients in a way that made them feel heard. That’s something I hadn’t experienced as much back home.”
Adjusting to a Different World
Adapting to Australia wasn’t just about work. Wania quickly realised that communication was a skill on its own. While she was comfortable in English, listening to patients describe their symptoms in a new accent and cultural context was another challenge.
In Pakistan, consultations were often short and to the point. In Australia, they were longer, more personal.
“Here, patients want you to sit with them, understand their lifestyle, and make recommendations that fit into their daily routine. That shift took me a while,” she explained.
The Art of Balancing
By now, she was working almost full-time, sometimes even six days a week. Preparing for the OCANZ exam alongside such a schedule would intimidate anyone.
This is where Academically Global stepped in. Their coaching programme gave her structure at a time when she could easily have lost direction.
“I leaned a lot on the lectures and practice materials. Dr. Sujit and Divya were patient. If I didn’t understand something, they would go over it again until it clicked. The MCQs and SCQs we practised were unbelievably close to the real thing. That gave me confidence.”
At home, her husband played his part too. They divided chores, shared meals, and created a rhythm where Wania could study without burning out.
How did Wania clear the OCANZ COE- Licensure Exam for Optometrists in Australia?
When asked how tough the exam really is, she paused before saying:
“I’d call it moderate to tough. Not impossible, but definitely not easy either. Consistency is what makes the difference. I was lucky that I never fully stepped away from optometry. Even if I wasn’t in a clinical role, I stayed connected to the field.”
For her, the key was simple: don’t drift into unrelated work just because it pays. Stay involved in your profession, however you can.
Wania’s Advice for Budding Optometrists who Want to Make it Big Abroad
Wania had a few words for others preparing for OCANZ:
- Don’t expect quick results. It’s a long, sometimes expensive journey.
- Get proper guidance. Trying to figure everything out by yourself only slows you down.
- Stick with your field, even if it means starting in assistant roles.
- Respect the effort you put into your degree — don’t let it go to waste.
She put it quite aptly:
“I studied optometry for five years. I didn’t want to spend my life doing odd jobs. It may take time, but in the end, it’s worth it.”
Why Academically Global Made a Difference?
Wania is elated about the role Academically played in her success. The programme gave her not only study materials but also a sense of direction and accountability.
For overseas professionals preparing for exams like OCANZ, AMC, PLAB (UKMLA), OPRA, PEBC, etc., this kind of structured coaching can be the difference between feeling lost and walking into the exam ready.
“It wasn’t just the course content,” she added. “It was the way they guided me step by step. That support mattered the most.”
Crack the OCANZ COE registration exam on your first attempt and become an optometrist in Australia by enrolling in a structured preparation course today.
To Conclude With…
Today, Wania has crossed one of the biggest milestones in her career. She moved countries, worked her way up from an assistant role, and cleared the COE exam despite a demanding schedule. Her story is proof that if you stay determined, keep learning, and ask for the right help, success is within reach. For anyone preparing to follow a similar path, her advice stands strong: “Don’t give up on the profession you worked so hard to study.”
If you’re an international optometrist with the dream of practising in Australia or New Zealand, take a look at Academically Global’s coaching programmes. With the right mentors and preparation, your story could be the next one we celebrate.