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In September 2025, first-year students from the Diploma in Optometry took part in a series of Education and Career Guidance + Sustainability (ECGS) learning journeys, organised in partnership with, Menicon Singapore, Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Zeiss. The initiative was designed to help students gain meaningful insight into the profession, broaden their understanding of career pathways, and appreciate how sustainability is becoming increasingly vital in healthcare and manufacturing.

At Menicon Singapore, students were introduced to the precision-driven world of contact lens production. They toured the advanced facility and observed the processes of material preparation, moulding, and quality control that ensure the safety and reliability of every lens. The visit also emphasised Menicon’s sustainability efforts, such as the Miru 1day Flat Pack, which reduces plastic use through innovative packaging. For many, this was an eye-opening experience that showcased how industry players are working to meet patient needs while addressing global environmental challenges.

Group photo at Menicon

At the Singapore National Eye Centre, students had a closer look at optometry in a clinical and hospital-based context. Through interactive activities, they learned how ocular conditions can affect vision and the importance of early intervention. They toured a range of specialised clinics, from paediatric to low vision, as well as the Singapore Eye Research Institute and national eye bank, while networking with optometrists who shared their experiences in patient care, co-management with ophthalmologists, and clinical research. This gave students a holistic view of optometry’s impact on both individual patients and society at large.

Students engaged in activities at SNEC

At Zeiss, the students participated in hands-on demonstrations of Vision Technology Solutions and toured the lens edging laboratory, which allowed them to connect classroom knowledge with practical application. The conversations with the optometrists offered a clearer understanding of professional responsibilities in technical support and clinical consultation.

Group photo at Zeiss

Collectively, these learning journeys provided students with a richer perspective of the optometry profession, from industry and manufacturing to clinical care and research. The ECGS initiative strengthened their sense of professional identity, highlighted diverse career pathways, and underscored how sustainability and social responsibility are becoming integral to the future of healthcare. Through these partnerships, Singapore Polytechnic continues to prepare its optometry students to be career-ready, socially conscious, and equipped to make meaningful contributions to the eye care sector.