Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Safiyah Ismail

Dewsbury,West Yorkshire

Summary

I am a highly motivated Optometry student entering my third year, with a solid foundation in both clinical and theoretical knowledge developed through my university studies. My experience in customer-facing roles and volunteering has strengthened my communication skills, professionalism, and ability to deliver compassionate patient care. I am eager to apply and further develop these skills within a pre-registration placement, contributing to a supportive team while growing into a confident and well-rounded clinician.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Sales assisstant

Elegance by Madni
Dewsbury, Kirklees
01.2025 - 09.2025
  • Assisted customers with product selection for optimal satisfaction.
  • Addressed customer needs promptly, resulting in positive feedback and loyalty.
  • Fostered a welcoming store environment by maintaining clean and well-organised displays.
  • Improved customer service by efficiently handling queries and complaints.
  • Utilised excellent communication skills to provide detailed product information.

Administrator

Faircare counselling
01.2024 - 09.2025
  • Managed schedules and coordinated appointments to support a smooth client journey.
  • Responded to client queries promptly and professionally, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Maintained accurate records and handled confidential documentation with care.
  • Supported counsellors with administrative and logistical tasks to ensure high-quality care.
  • Built trusting relationships with clients and staff through clear, empathetic communication..

Optical assistant

Adams opticians
Dewsbury, Kirklees
03.2025 - 04.2025
  • Assisted patients in selecting suitable eyewear tailored to their prescriptions and lifestyle needs.
  • Shadowed optometrists during consultations, gaining insight into personalised treatment planning and lens prescriptions.
  • Handled patient records with confidentiality and supported administrative and clinical tasks on weekends.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organised clinical environment.
  • Developed a strong understanding of the day-to-day operations of a busy optometry practice.

Optical assistant

OptiCare
Batley, Kirklees
01.2025 - 02.2025
  • Operated and managed optical equipment including autorefractors and focimeters.
  • Assisted in lab glazing single-vision lenses, ensuring precise and high-quality results.
  • Undertook pupil distance (PD) measurements to support accurate lens dispensing.
  • Observed sight tests and gained insights into professional optometric consultations.
  • Supported the process of creating and dispensing glasses tailored to patient needs.

Telephone interviewer

Faircare counselling
07.2024 - 09.2024
  • Conducted telephone interviews to assess clients’ counselling needs.
  • Built strong rapport to ensure clients felt comfortable and understood.
  • Adapted interview techniques to suit each client’s unique circumstances.
  • Accurately recorded confidential information with professionalism.
  • Communicated client needs clearly to counselling staff for smooth handovers.

Tutor

Fairtutors
Remote
06.2023 - 05.2024
  • Improved communication and interpersonal skills through clear and effective explanations of concepts.
  • Developed patience and adaptability by recognising individual learning needs and tailoring approaches.
  • Enhanced organisational and time management skills by planning lessons and managing schedules.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, implementing tailored strategies for improvement.
  • Cultivated empathy and active listening to better understand and support students’ needs.

Customer service

Cooksmill Ltd
Manchester
05.2023 - 07.2023
  • Addressing customer issues and finding solutions efficiently while maintaining professionalism.
  • Responding to questions via phone, email, live chat regarding products, services or policies.
  • Assisting in purchases, returns, refunds or exchanges and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
  • Managed customer complaints, ensuring satisfaction through effective resolution.
  • Collecting customer feedback and sharing insights with the team to improve services or product.

Adams opticians
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • - Assisted patients in selecting appropriate eyewear and observed optometrists during consultations and eye exams.
  • - Gained experience in handling patient records confidentially and maintaining a clean, organised clinical environment.
  • - Observed effective communication of eye health information and the decision-making process for prescribing lenses.
  • - Noted how test results and patient feedback were used to develop personalised treatment plans.

Charity shop volunteer

Kumon y'all
Dewsbury, Kirklees
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Established rapport with the local community by providing friendly and efficient service.
  • Assisted in sorting and pricing donations to support smooth, streamlined operations.
  • Implemented food distribution programmes, delivering essential meals to those in need.
  • Increased community engagement through effective communication and outreach efforts.
  • Collaborated with local organisations and volunteers to expand programme reach and impact.

Education

BSc - optometry

University of Huddersfield
Huddesfield
09.2023 - 06.2026

A-Levels -

Heckmondwike grammar sixth form
Heckmondwike, Kirklees
09.2021 - 06.2023

GCSEs -

Thornhill community academy
Thornhill, Yorkshire
09.2016 - 06.2021

Skills

  • Patient care
  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Customer service
  • Leadership
  • Organisation

Affiliations

  • Henna artistry – enjoy designing intricate patterns, enhancing manual dexterity and creativity
  • Baking – a calming hobby that develops precision, patience, and attention to detail
  • Gym – committed to regular fitness training, building discipline, focus, and resilience
  • Reading – broadens knowledge and improves focus, reflection, and critical thinking skills

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Optical assistant

Adams opticians
03.2025 - 04.2025

Sales assisstant

Elegance by Madni
01.2025 - 09.2025

Optical assistant

OptiCare
01.2025 - 02.2025

Telephone interviewer

Faircare counselling
07.2024 - 09.2024

Administrator

Faircare counselling
01.2024 - 09.2025

BSc - optometry

University of Huddersfield
09.2023 - 06.2026

Tutor

Fairtutors
06.2023 - 05.2024

Customer service

Cooksmill Ltd
05.2023 - 07.2023

Adams opticians
06.2022 - 08.2022

A-Levels -

Heckmondwike grammar sixth form
09.2021 - 06.2023

Charity shop volunteer

Kumon y'all
01.2020 - 01.2021

GCSEs -

Thornhill community academy
09.2016 - 06.2021
Safiyah Ismail