The Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) is pleased to present the December 2020 Student Doctor of the Month to Jasmin Rakhra!
Jasmin Rakhra is a 3rd year student at Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon. Originally from Burnaby, BC, she completed her Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biological Sciences with Concentration in Cells, Molecules and Physiology in 2018 at Simon Fraser University. She hopes to practice back home in Burnaby, BC after graduating in May of 2022.
During her time as an undergraduate student, Jasmin gained valuable work experience while volunteering at an optometry clinic. She learned how to interact with patients so that she was well-equipped to handle her current patients in clinic. She also co-founded the Pre-Optometry Society SFU Club to create a network for students interested in the Optometry field. She would provide bi-weekly information sessions, including OAT preparation discussions, and presentations given by Optometrists. She organized fundraisers to obtain prescription glasses for patients in Haiti. These experiences in high school and university were instrumental in inspiring Jasmin to pursue her passion in this field.
Jasmin is actively involved in various extracurricular activities, many of which are geared towards improving the PUCO student body. During her time at Pacific, Jasmin became the current president of PUCO’s CAOS chapter, which required organizing numerous events for the club such as the annual Canadian Thanksgiving celebration. Ocular Diseases has always been one of Jasmin’s favourite classes, inspiring her to serve as a class tutor. Jasmin’s passion for the profession and student experience led her to becoming a student ambassador and advocate for the field of Optometry at various conferences. She has played a pivotal role in representing Pacfic University through her annual attendances at BCDO.
In her free time, Jasmin enjoys baking for all of her classmates. She enjoys travelling and exploring new places. Her goal is to return to British Columbia, Canada to practice full scope optometry. Jasmin hopes to eventually have her own practice and continue her community leadership and involvement back home, inspiring a new generation of students in the field.