Pre reg struggle optometry

I have just started my pre reg and I’m really struggling. I couldn’t find a place anywhere nearby so I had to move away from home. I don’t know anyone here. I had my first testing day and I’m on 45 minutes. I feel as though I’m not even doing the test properly because I’m rushing so much. The pxs I had were young with simple rx and no pathology but when I get more complex pxs I will not be able to finish on time. I still can’t do Volk and it’s stressing me out so much despite all the practice I’ve done. I don’t even trust my own refraction. Asking for more time is not an option because all the pre regs did it in that time before me. I don’t know how I’m supposed to deal with every situation and answer all the pxs questions. I know everyone finds it challenging but every morning I wake up crying and I’m unable to sleep or eat. I feel as though this profession isn’t for me but I just want to finish what I started but I don’t know how long I can go like this.

Hi I am 6-7 months into my pre reg now.
I also had to move away from home, I was in denial at first (I thought I could do a 2 hr drive there and back every day) but eventually admitted I needed to move out as the commute wasn’t possible. Try to look at the positives, you have a quiet place to revise when you need to, you will have a good routine and it will teach you independence and money management.
It is really lonely at the start, if you come from a larger family like myself I’d understand why you feel it more. Try and get to know the area on your day off, explore the town nearby get comfortable with it as this is where you’ll be staying for the next year possibly 2.
Eventually you will make friends with co-workers and you can make plans on your day off.
I took my cat with me, it sounds silly but it feels like a part of home is with me she is a good distraction and does help with the loneliness.
Regular phone calls/ FaceTime catch ups with friends and family will help a lot with the loneliness.
With regards to work I understand 45 mins is reallt short considering you are testing for the first time
History and symptoms just try to get the main details, cut the patient off (in a nice way if they are talking too much) eventually you will establish your flow.
With refraction if you are using ret ideally you will need more time
Once you’ve got your auto results try not to dwell on refraction too much going back and fourth between lenses. Look at the prev rx, look at the autos and VA in current pair and you will know roughly what your prescription is The key is practice, you will get better and quicker.
As soon as you get a spare min practice volk. I would practice towards the end of the day when clinic is over or when a patient didn’t turn up.
Again don’t be afraid to ask for help that’s what your supervisor is there for.
Ask your supervisor if you can watch in on other optoms/pre reg’s testing to get an idea of how to form your routine.
Hope this advise helps, power through I know it can be difficult especially at the start

I don't know what is the demand on time and why do you need it. Sometimes even a simple test can last longer then an hour. Confidence will be built with time. What you need is a supporting environment. If you passed the theoretical exams it means your knowledge of things is good enough, you only need practice and experience. Don't rush and don't let the px feel you are rushing. Take your time, sometimes just talk with your pxs to get them trust you and cooperate with you.
What makes you feel insecure about your refractions? PM me if you want.

Auto-refractometer is overrated. It saves some time, but it is not a megical tool to magically tell what RX the PX needs. You can test the power and axis you give with several tools. The sun/star/clock chart for example. You can also switch between snellen, E and C charts to varify your result.
Refractometer is not a diagnostic equipment so don't treat it that way, even if your results are not accurate you can work with that fine.
Also you gave to communicate with the patient, ask the right questions. Instead of "what is better A or B?" if they are unsure ask if A is darker or lighter than B or clearer or less clear, or smaller or bigger... use the green-red background to prevent overminus/overplus. Always test upclose vision as well. Go outside the room with the trial frame to let the patient look at things under more natural conditions.
Honestly, I think the problem is not in your professionalism or skills, but in the policies of the place you work at that just don't fit the style you work. Not everyone is built for chain stores, some need a more personal approach and to take the time.
I will answer your PM later when I will be on the computer, maybe even tomorrow, it will be long. XD

Thank you so much for your advice. It’s really helpful. Yeah, working in practice is so different. it’s really hard to test properly in just 40 minutes right from the start. In uni, I had 1 hour 30 for presbyopes, and now it’s only 45?! It’s such a big jump, and I really don’t feel confident at all. I just feel like I’m rushing everything. My other pre-reg friends started with 1 hour 30, so it’s hard not to feel like I’m not smart or skilled enough to manage in such a small timeframe.
I really appreciate your advice, especially about phrasing questions better. I’ll definitely work on that. And yeah, I think you’re right about chain store policies not always suiting everyone’s style. I’m still trying to figure out how to balance efficiency with being thorough. Looking forward to your PM when you get the chance!