Ramandeep “Raman” Badh is getting into the rhythm of her third year at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus and Drexel. During her undergraduate years at Concordia University of Edmonton, she volunteered and shadowed professionals across several health care fields, from dental clinics to primary care practices. Yet none of those experiences resonated quite like her time in an optometric clinic.
“Though each field offered glimpses of fulfillment, none resonated as profoundly as my experience in the optometric clinic,” she says. The clinical duties interested her, but what left the biggest impact was the meaningful patient-doctor connections.
“I realized that optometry transcended the correction of vision,” she says. “Optometry emerged as a conduit for transformative health care, often unveiling systemic underlying conditions that necessitated follow up with primary care physicians.” Optometrists, as she describes, often serve as the first point of contact in a patient’s health care journey, making the profession one of immense responsibility and reward.
BALANCING SCHOOL AND PERSONAL GROWTH
As an optometry student, Badh has faced challenges that many can relate to, including the intense workload and the pressure to succeed. One of the biggest struggles early on was adjusting to the sheer volume of material.
“When I first started out in the program, it took me a while to figure out what studying methods worked well for me,” she says. “The first semester was especially tough because I had moved from Canada, away from my family and friends. It took time to adjust.”
But she persevered. She credits her success to a mix of planning, taking regular breaks and giving herself grace when things don’t go according to plan. Now, she’s careful to include self-care in her routine, reserving Sunday evenings as her “off” time, whether that’s for walks, skincare or watching a movie.
“Doing things I enjoy helps me stay focused and gives me peace of mind so I can retain more information on my ‘on’ days,” she shares. “I’ve learned it’s OK to take breaks.”
She’s also quick to mention the importance of having a support system. With both her brother and boyfriend enrolled in the same optometry program, Badh has a built-in network of accountability and encouragement. “We all hold each other accountable and motivate each other,” she says.
A PASSION FOR PEDIATRIC AND HOLISTIC CARE
Looking ahead, Badh is excited about the possibility of specializing in working with kids. “I find joy in connecting with kids and making their experience as comfortable and positive as possible,” she says.
Looking into her long-term plans, she envisions owning a practice where holistic care is the foundation. This would be a place where patients are treated as whole people, not just sets of eyes in need of correction.
“I want to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel cared for and understood beyond their visual needs,” she says. Her dream practice would have a team of optometrists specializing in different areas from ocular disease management to pediatric care.
“By offering a range of specialties under one roof, we can provide comprehensive eye care services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community,” she says.
ADVICE FOR FELLOW STUDENTS
Badh emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-compassion to others in the same boat. She encourages students to remember why they chose optometry in the first place, especially on tough days.
“I remind myself of my passion for eye care and helping others improve their vision,” she says. Planning has also been key to managing her workload, but she’s learned to let go of things that are out of her control. “I can always do something tomorrow,” she adds.