It’s not just young people or career changers who benefit from work experience. Employers can use the opportunity to develop staff. They can act as mentors and reflect on their current role and future possibilities. Students bring new ideas and offer you a chance to engage with future customers. You are also building your contacts with potential recruits. Offering a taste of the world of work is also about making a contribution to your community. Youth employment has not yet…
Tony Harvey is a STEM Ambassador, going into schools to tell young people about careers in optics Being an optician is a bit of a Cinderella job – careers teachers often don't know anything about it and most of the kids have never thought of it as an option. I visit schools and colleges to promote optical careers as a STEM ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). I get invitations to careers evenings, science workshops or interview training. You might…
Did you ever wonder how spectacle frames are designed? The Royal College of Art (RCA) runs an annual competition for the best design from its students – the winning entry is shown off at the 100% Optical show. This year’s theme was sustainable sunglasses. Students had to use materials that don’t hurt the planet or people’s pockets during the cost of living crisis. Careers in Eyecare spoke to the winner, Linwei Zheng. What encouraged you to enter the competition?I'm currently…
More than 200 optical assistants at Specsavers have completed training as clinical technicians, qualified to carry out extra duties. The scheme takes learners through diagnostic information gathering and pre-assessment procedures, working under optometrist supervision. Michelle Wilks, from the Headingley practice in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was the 201st graduate. Michelle says: “It gives you so much more understanding and I am able to support the clinics even better than before. I was already competent in performing delegated duties, but now I…
Ever dreamed of inventing your own product? Starting your own business? Amy Gallant Sullivan, creator of eyecare beauty brand, Eyes Are The Story, did just that. The ‘aha’ moment came in Paris. Amy was there to talk about the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), where she’s executive director. It promotes education on dry eye disease. “It’s twice as prevalent in women as in men. I was thinking, why is that? Could there be something women do more than…
If you are in the thick of exams, good luck! It may be hard to see beyond the next test. But if you are planning to head for the world of work once all the stress is behind you, there’s a great future waiting in the world of eyecare. If you like working with people and have strong communication skills becoming an optical assistant in an opticians is a good starting point. Customer service experience is helpful but not essential.…
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…