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…
There are different ways of working flexibly and these an be adapted to you and your circumstances. If you are thinking of requesting flexible hours, read on and find which ways to work might suit you best. Job sharing - Two people do one job and split the hours.Working from home - It might be possible to do some or all of your work from home or anywhere else other than the normal place of work.Part time - Working less…
Yassin works at Spec-Care Services in the south west of England. He is a Business Administration’ BTEC Level 3 apprentice. Yassin's boss Rob says, "Yassin has a passion for business development and the optical world has helped develop his career. He is a shining light for apprenticeships and without doubt a star business person of the future." Describe your typical day My typical day involves helping run the office department. I attending to tasks from dealing with customers, answering email…
Would you like to help people, in a range of environments, in a job that ensures you are always on the move and constantly facing new challenges? Joshua Wainwright FBDO FdSc BA (Hons) works for Specsavers Domiciliary, delivering eyecare to those who can't get to the practice due to health or mobility issues. Alongside this he is a trainer and is studying to further develop his low vision skills and knowledge. Describe your typical day. The night before I’m due…
Jodie is a contact lens optician in the South West of England. Read on to find out more about her day. Describe your typical day as a contact lens optician. My typical day involves seeing a variety of contact lens fits, routine aftercares and emergency eye care appointments, meeting patients’ expectations and making sure they leave happy. What do you start with every day? First things first I start with a coffee! Then I start by looking at my clinic…
Deepali is a student dispensing optician (DO) with Specsavers, and is in the final year of her ophthalmic dispensing course at ABDO College. She combines a full time job with online study and block release. Read on to find out more about her day. As a student DO, I spend my day dispensing a variety of patients, from elderly to children. Within that, I dispense a variety of prescription lenses such a single vision, varifocals, occupational lenses and bifocals. I also…