Students from schools across south west England took part in a taster day in April, designed to inspire them to consider a career in optometry. The 50 pupils, from years 10 to 13, met academic staff from Plymouth university’s optometry programme, attended mini lectures on eye anatomy and visual processing, and had the opportunity to take part in a practical session using equipment in the optometry lab, including video slit lamps. A much broader career They also met current students,…
Qualifying as an optician gives you access to a rewarding career. From the opportunity to earn while you learn to being a style guru or getting to grips with the latest technology, there are many reasons to consider this option for your future. Flexible learning You can study ophthalmic dispensing full or part-time, so you can earn while you learn. There are day release and distance learning options, or foundation degree (two year) and BSc (three year) courses. Providers include…
Careers in Eyecare has gained new sponsorship from Vivid Optical, the leading recruitment consultancy in optometry. The support will help the campaign to continue its outreach to young people, parents, careers advisors and anyone looking to switch careers or develop their skills. Search this website for career profiles and features about what it is really like to work in a range of roles, from ophthalmic assistants to ophthalmologists. You can also learn about careers in business, retail, fashion, design, science,…
Megan never planned to become a dispensing optician. Now she’s on course to become fully qualified in a professional career. She applied for a job at Specsavers Fox Valley practice in Sheffield in her year out before going to university. She had planned to study forensic science. “I had no idea what working at an opticians involved as I’d never had an eye test myself,” Megan says. She quickly realised she’d found her passion. “As I grew more comfortable with…
Specsavers is offering staff e-learning to help them understand the needs of customers with conditions such as autism or ADHD. The module is available for community practices as well as in support offices. 'With around 15% of people in the UK thought to be neurodiverse, it's really important that we all understand neurodiversity. Having this knowledge, and the ability to have the right conversations, will make a big difference,’ says Amy Cooper, co-chair of the neurodiversity colleague network group. 'The…
Optometrist Katie Martin has achieved her pre-registration qualifications in under a year, surprising her colleagues. Trainees have two years and three months to finish the scheme. Nathan Burn, a director at Specsavers Plymouth, says: “We’ve all said a huge congratulations to Katie for stunning us by completing her pre-reg so quickly. “We're simply in awe of her. It really is a fantastic achievement. She made it look so easy, even though many others will tell you it absolutely isn't. We're…
Kay Bagshaw is a dispensing optician and a tutor for optical apprenticeships at Woodspeen Training How do you start your day? I log onto the e-portfolio system and check if any learners have uploaded work ready for feedback. I go through emails and diary tasks. Then it’s on to the first group training session, on a Teams call with a group of learners for 2.5 hours. We will discuss a new topic, or build knowledge by adding to a previous…
A project to inspire young people to become optometrists is being expanded across the UK. Specsavers is rolling out its Bright Futures bursary programme into England and Wales after it was initially launched in Scotland and Northern Ireland. More than £2,000 is available to help students into their career and pay for some of their equipment. The programme also offers part-time work in local branches, providing vital experience as well as shadowing and mentoring. "The bursary will allow partners in…
Dispensing optician Matthew shares the lessons he's learned about living well with mental health challenges I did not realise it at the time, but I had depression while at a previous workplace and while studying for my diploma. I felt I was weak and that no one would understand. I thought ‘I can beat this alone’ but I could not and it did get to the desperate point that I considered taking my own life; the only thing that stopped…
Faye is a qualified optometrist, who recently moved to a role where she visits patients in their homes, working for community opticians The OutsideClinic. What do you start with every day? I usually start the day with an early morning gym session and then breakfast. After this, I load the car with my equipment, check my patient list and set off to see patients at about 8am. Sometimes these times can change around a bit, for example if I need…