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The University of Southampton
Medicine

Abrie Marais  2016

Abrie Marais 's Photo

The programme gave me the opportunity to combine the skills I learnt on the course, with my optometrist skills, to result in something truly rewarding in the For Sight Trust.

“I was an optometrist working in the private sector, and was looking at ways to utilise my skills and knowledge to benefit people in South Africa access public health care services. I applied for a Chevening Scholarship and the University of Southampton was one of the partner universities. I was impressed that the University was ranked as one of the top 100 in the world and the modules offered as part of the MSc Public Health programme really appealed to me.

“I really enjoyed the course as a whole. Many of the modules were excitingly thought-provoking and super useful in my pursuit to make a positive impact in public eye health in my native South Africa. I also appreciated that the module leaders were passionate about their fields of teaching and I felt honoured to be in a position where I could learn from them.

“I remember entering the MSc Public Health programme hoping that something great would result from it, and I am really grateful for the knowledge I gained about the workings of public health structures and systems.

“The programme allowed me to customise my module selection according to my specific needs and, by the time I started my dissertation, I was well-equipped, not only on the subject matter, but also in research and writing skills.

“My dissertation was a health needs assessment exploring the development of an intervention strategy aimed at reducing refractive error visual impairment - basic eye conditions such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism - in Cape Town, South Africa. The results highlighted the need for more public benefit organisations focused on providing eye care services to the underserved public health sector.

“A year after I graduated, I used the results of my dissertation to found the charitable For Sight Trust, which raises money to conduct eye health outreaches providing eye tests and spectacles for people in South Africa who do not have access to or the funds for eye care services.

“It has been a very rewarding addition to my career as an optometrist. The programme gave me the opportunity to combine the skills I learnt on the course, with my optometrist skills, to result in something truly rewarding in the For Sight Trust.

“My advice to students just starting out on their studies is to always have a vision or goal in mind. Obtaining a degree is not just an academic endeavour – the University of Southampton offers so many opportunities to live your best life. Get involved in societies, activities and social events - take part, have fun and make memories.

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