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…
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…
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,…
A charity volunteer has moved into a paid job as an eye clinic liaison officer (ECLO) thanks to sponsorship from Specsavers. Helen McGrath has been helped by the Harrogate practice to train as an ECLO with Vision Support. The role helps bridge the gap between health and social care professionals and people with sight loss, providing information and emotional support. Two million people live with sight loss More than 2 million people in the UK live with some degree of…
An apprenticeship has been launched that will create new opportunities for people to train as orthoptists, helping to tackle vision problems in children and adults across England. You can now earn while you learn, with a paid apprenticeship in your local NHS hospital. Previously people had to go to university in Liverpool, Sheffield or London. A vital role Childhood vision problems are on the rise and waiting lists for eyecare services are growing. Orthoptists play a vital role in identifying…
Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. This field offers a fascinating and rewarding career. Make a real difference Orthoptics lets you change lives every day. Imagine the dramatic impact of helping children see clearly for the first time, or fixing a patient’s double vision. Cutting-edge science If you’re fascinated by how the body and brain work together, orthoptics is for you. It combines…
If you struggle with revision, then try some of these tips and tricks. They could make all the difference! Get started If you put things off, the Pomodoro method can help. Set a timer for 25 minutes – even the most reluctant procrastinator can usually manage such a short period. Then take a five minute break. Start another 25 minute session. If you do four of these in a row, each time followed by a break, you can then have…
Alis Sejourne is lead orthoptist for neuro-ophthalmology and adults with learning difficulties at the Royal London Hospital, Barts Health trust What do you do? How did you start your career? I diagnose and manage eye movement disorders, visual field defects and binocular vision or visual development problems, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (squint). I had nine months of hospital placements throughout the three-year degree course in orthoptics. I started my career at King’s College Hospital, and progressed to…
Optometrists are skilled health professionals, qualified to carry out sight tests, identify eye health problems, prescribe spectacles and contact lenses and even treat some eye conditions. 1. Make a difference Optometry is a rewarding career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll diagnose sight problems and identify health issues – you could even save someone’s sight. Getting the right prescription can be life-changing, helping young people succeed at school, older people stay independent and everyone in…
Applying to university can be nerve-wracking and completing the UCAS form is one of the most daunting elements. Don’t leave it to the last minute! There’s so much information to provide and so many choices to make, you need time to plan carefully. Here are some top tips to help your application stand out. Check the deadlines Make sure you know your school’s or college’s deadlines and work back from those dates so that you have time to find all…