Daniel Green qualified as a dispensing optician (DO) in 2018 and has worked for Specsavers for ten years. He is also an optometry clinical tutor at the University of Manchester. What do you start with every day? The great thing about my role is the variety, no two days are ever the same. Depending on whether I’m delivering training, I could be hands on in a dispensing lab giving training and support, or I could be logging into a video…
A video to inspire young people into optics careers will run in hundreds of schools and colleges during National Apprenticeship Week, starting 6 February. Adam Matthews, an apprentice at Specsavers Chesterfield, Derbyshire, will feature alongside colleagues Helen Belkhodja, a director covering four of the firm’s practices in Surrey, and head of apprenticeships Dena Wyatt. “It’s exciting to be taking part,” says Adam, who joined the apprenticeship scheme in June 2022. “I’ve learnt a huge range of skills in a variety…
T levels are two-year courses for 16 to 19 year olds in England, broadly equivalent to three A levels. Health, science and healthcare science T levels were launched in September 2021, while qualifications in other subjects are still coming on stream. They were developed with employers, schools and colleges. Health representatives involved in the panels that worked on the health and science courses included optometrists as well as nurses and hospital staff. Placements An alternative to A levels and apprenticeships,…
Inspiring teenagers is a rewarding aspect of the profession. It can be thought-provoking and encouraging, making you reflect on your working life. So how should you prepare if you are approached by a local school? Or if you are inspired to reach out? The basics First, agree the format. Is this face to face or online? A formal talk with slides followed by a Q&A, or an informal fireside chat led by student questions, with no prepared presentation? What technology…
Sai visits patients in their homes, working as his own boss but with the support of a company in a joint venture partnership. What do you start with every day? I like to start my day sorting out my packed lunch, ensuring I have plenty of water as it can be thirsty work chatting to patients all day! I also do some general housekeeping like making sure my testing equipment is prepped and checking my patient list, which is organised…
Claudio Tarantino is a trailblazer for dispensing and contact lens opticians who want to expand their clinical practice. He has achieved accreditation under the contact lens optician Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC) Minor Eye Conditions (MECS) scheme. It means Claudio can do more to support his patients and the NHS. Primary eye care practitioners triage, manage, and prioritise patients presenting with a minor eye condition. Claudio Tarantino of Specsavers Stratford-upon-Avon has taken an extra qualification to manage patients with minor…
A new degree apprenticeship offers fresh vocational options in eye imaging. The University of Gloucester’s BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (Ophthalmic Imaging) course is a distanced blended learning programme. Ophthalmic imaging uses powerful technology to capture vital information from patient examinations. It is essential for diagnosing, treating and monitoring eye conditions. Images play a central role in disease screening, teaching, clinical trials and telemedicine. Ophthalmic imaging technicians work in hospital eye services. There is a national shortage of qualified…
Dan Scott is The Eyewear Stylist, helping people find bespoke frames that reflect their individual stories. He is a qualified dispensing optician and a trained personal stylist. What do you start with every day? I love my coffee, so if I'm in my studio in Media City, Salford, I'll pick up a drink from one of the coffee shops. But when you are freelance every day is different, so I might be up at 5.30am for a 6.30am networking meeting.…
The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has opened its bursary application scheme for the current academic year to help students on apprenticeships, degree and diploma courses. These must be in optometry, dispensing, orthoptics or allied eye care subjects. Ophthalmic nurses and clinical technicians are also eligible. People can apply for financial support if they are on a recognised course at Level 4 or above which is designed to lead directly to a career in eye health. This includes: apprenticeships in ophthalmic clinical support…
Interviews are opportunities to show your skills to the recruiter. Preparation is key. Before the interview, research the company. What does the website or social media say about the business’s activity, values and history? Who are the senior people? This can give you insights into their priorities, what they want from potential employees and why they are hiring. Read the job advertisement again and think about what it says about the business, the role, and the candidate they want. Rehearse…