Whanganui-born optometrist Olivia Wood-Bodley working for Wanganui Eyecare

Olivia Wood-Bodley became interested in optometry when she couldn't see the screens in her university lecture theatre.

Optometry is a lot more interesting than you would imagine, according to a Whanganui optometrist who is in her first year on the job.

After completing five years of study at the University of Auckland, Olivia Wood-Bodley joined Wanganui Eyecare in February and also works at the company's clinics at Eyes on Victoria and Hawera Eyecare.

Wood-Bodley was born and raised in Whanganui and attended Carlton, Whanganui Intermediate and Whanganui High schools.

"I always knew I was going to work in health somewhere," Wood-Bodley said.

"I did a general first year in Auckland and discovered optometry when I couldn't see the screens in the lecture theatre."

A visit to an optometrist sparked her interest in the field and she graduated with a Bachelor of Optometry (Hons).

"It's a lot more interesting than you could ever imagine it being," she said.

"People think optometry is just glasses but we can prescribe medication, there are eye diseases and lots of interesting things going on with eyes."

Wood-Bodley is interested in learning more about contact lenses, including cosmetic and specialist lenses as well as the usual soft lenses.

She says she is pleased to be back in Whanganui and near family and friends here and in Wellington.

"I really enjoy being back. Everyone in Whanganui is super supportive and the patients are really lovely. It's good to give back to the place that raised me."

Olivia Wood-Bodley is enjoying starting her career in Whanganui where she was raised.