Kaye McIntosh – Careers in Eyecare

Education, For students, Looking for work, Students, Work experience 13 May 202513 May 2025 Kaye McIntosh employers, learner, student, work experience

How to find work experience

Work experience isn't always advertised or may not be routinely available in your area of interest. To discover opportunities you'll often need to approach employers directly. Find hidden opportunities Uncovering hidden work experience opportunities isn’t easy, but perseverance pays off. First, talk to family, friends, fellow learners, teachers, tutors or anyone you know through hobbies or extracurricular activities to see if they know of anyone to approach. They might have links to a company of interest and pass on their…

Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study, T Levels 10 April 20259 April 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Opportunities in optics for sixth form

A pioneering optical care course is opening career opportunities for Year 12 and 13 students. Aston University Sixth Form, in Birmingham, is the first college in the UK to have learners studying T Level optical care, says assistant principal Ruth Mercy. The two-year course, equivalent to an A Level, is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the sector. Ruth says: ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Day in the life, For students, For teachers, Optical assistant, Students, Work 2 April 20252 April 2025 Kaye McIntosh anxiety disorder, apprenticeships, career, confidence, customer service, optical assistant, optical practice, Specsavers

Day in the life: the optical assistant overcoming anxiety

Can you succeed at work if you face extra challenges? James, 24, works at Specsavers in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and has an anxiety disorder. He takes us through a typical day. What do you do every day? My main tasks include performing pre-screening tests for customers before their eye test, helping them choose and purchase frames and lenses for their glasses, and fitting their glasses when they come to pick them up. I also have mandatory learning time, training on the…

Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, For students, Looking for work, Ophthalmologist, Optical assistant, Optical sales rep, Optometrist, Orthoptist, Students, Work 26 March 202526 March 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Career choices in eyecare

There’s a great future waiting for you in eyecare, with lots of choice whatever your interests and skills. Whether you are planning to go into employment straight from school, head to university, or you are already working and looking for a new career, there are plenty of reasons to go into this field. Enjoy flexible training and careers Whether you want to train or work full or part-time, weekends or weekdays, there’s a job for you. More and more high…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Day in the life, Dispensing optician, Education, Eye clinic liaison officer, For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Orthoptist, Students, Study, Work 21 March 202521 March 2025 Kaye McIntosh

What’s next after school or college?

If you are in Year 13, it can feel like everyone is asking what you plan to do next. Where does your future lie? It feels like the pressure is on and you have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Don't worry. You have time to explore your options and there’s plenty of help and information out there. Finding the right career There’s lots of ways to find ideas and explore whether they…

For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Students, Work 7 March 20257 March 2025 Kaye McIntosh

How to write the perfect CV

A CV details your skills, experience and achievements for potential employers. It summarises your strengths and shows why you are the right person for the role. Even if the job you are interested in asks you to fill in an application form, it’s important to have your CV to hand. Other employers will want it, and it’s a good way for you to keep a record of your experience. Employers get lots of CVs to look at so make sure…

Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, For students, Work 28 February 202528 February 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Explore a great career as a dispensing optician

Are you interested in healthcare, science or fashion trends? Helping people achieve their potential at work or in education? Working with children or vulnerable people? There’s a great career on offer in dispensing optics. This field gives you the chance to qualify as a registered health professional, with a degree or diploma. You’ll develop skills in fitting and supplying spectacles that take account of your patients’ needs and lifestyle. Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians (DOs) have a minimum…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Optical assistant, Work 13 February 202513 February 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Apprenticeship opportunities at Specsavers

Specsavers, the high street eye and hearing care firm, has 62 places on their apprenticeship scheme across the country. Head of apprenticeships Dena Watt says: “At Specsavers we are passionate about helping people learn and grow and our diverse range of apprenticeships offer a great stepping stone into our business and a way to upskill on the job. “Around 90% of apprentices stay on in permanent positions after qualifying and most go on to gain further qualifications. So, if you…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, For teachers, Looking for work, Study 13 February 202513 February 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Dispensing optician apprenticeships reach new heights

It’s National Apprenticeship Week and there’s never been a better time to consider this way of training as a dispensing optician (DO). Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched for the first time in September, allowing you to earn while you learn. DOs advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They can take further training to fit contact lenses. The next group of learners will…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, For students, Optical assistant, Work 10 February 202513 February 2025 Kaye McIntosh

National Apprenticeship Week – the optical assistant

Richard Hodgson visits people in their own homes to provide optical care. He shows apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers. Richard is the first domiciliary (home visits) optical assistant to complete his apprenticeship with Specsavers – with distinction, too. He tells us why he had his sights set on the home-visits team and how his qualification has helped him achieve the role he really wanted. Life before my apprenticeship I was working in a different world of glass – double-glazing,…

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Author Archives: Kaye McIntosh