You can apply for flexible working if you have worked continuously for the same employer for the last 26 weeks. It’s known as ‘making a statutory application.’ The basic steps are: You write to your employer.Your employer considers the request and makes a decision within 3 months - or longer if agreed with you, the employee.If your employer agrees to the request, they must change the terms and conditions in your contract.If the employer disagrees, they must write to you…
Would you like to do an apprenticeship or get a job, but need more skills and experience? A traineeship could be just what you need. In this article from Careers in Eyecare, you can find out more about traineeships, if one is right for you and how to get started. A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year (although most will last for less than 6…
Studying, working, looking for a job? Or not sure what you want to do in life? If you’re aged 14-24 and ready to train your skills the way you’d train your muscles in a gym, you’re in. With free Young Professional training you can boost your life and work skills. Youth Employment UK's Young Professionals training will help you every step of the way, wherever you live in the UK. You’ve got what it takes. It’s time to start believing…
People newly diagnosed with sight loss will be getting more practical and emotional support as tThe Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) celebrates its 100th Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). ECLO Renu Walia is based in Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, North London and also provides support to patients in Barnet Hospital and Edgware Community Hospital. Renu, who is severely sight impaired, works alongside health professionals to offer support and advice to blind and partially sighted people in the…
Stuart is a dispensing optician who also runs Eyecare Education, helping optometrists and dispensing opticians stay up to date with their ongoing education events. If you like the idea of combining running events with a clinical career, read on to find out about his work and how he combines time in practice with working on his business. What do you start with every day? If I'm working from home then the day will start with the school run, followed by…
By Mark Nevey FBDO on behalf of ABDO College When you begin studying for a new vocation, there is inevitably a certain amount of writing involved, and courses at ABDO College are no different. Whilst some people thrive on writing tasks, it’s fair to say that many find it a chore. For some, faced with a first essay, it can seem an impossible task. Dyslexia sufferers or students with English as their second language may find the prospect daunting. Anxiety…
Stephen is a service engineer at BIB Ophthalmic Instruments. Read on to find out about a day in his working life. Every day is different, depending on whether I am in the office or out visiting customers. On an office day I answer service phone calls, offer advice, provide technical solutions and product user advice and respond to email enquiries. I also book jobs for customer site visits across the UK. Journey planning plays a big part for me. On…
Lance works for a charity called SeeAbility as an Eye Care Champion in London. Read on to find out about what the role is all about. I work with my Champion co-workers to promote eye care for people with learning disabilities and autism. People with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to have a serious sight problem than other people. Despite this, many people with learning disabilities are still not receiving the eye care they need. What do you…
Many of the courses leading to careers in eyecare involve some online study. The pandemic has changed how some courses are offered too. If you are due to start a course and will be studying online, here are some tips form the team at ABDO College. ABDO College offers a range of online courses and courses which combine online study with a week or a fortnight at the College. 1: If you are starting a course with a new online…
The College of Optometrists’ Research Scholarships have returned for 2022, including a new one-off funding opportunity at postdoctoral level.Part-funded by donations from College members, the Postdoctoral Research Award provides an optometrist at postdoctoral level with the opportunity to be principal investigator on a research project in the area of swollen optic nerves and referral thresholds. Michael Bowen, Director of Research at The College of Optometrists, says: “The College’s Scholarships represent an important aspect of the College’s engagement with research, and…