A day in the life – the orthoptist

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…

Plymouth Uni optom taster day 2023

Six reasons to choose a career in optometry

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…

Top tips – filling in your UCAS form

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…

Top tips for Zoom interviews

You’ve applied for the job and got that interview – congratulations! If it’s a Zoom or Teams call, there are some important things to think about compared to a face-to-face meeting. Use a laptop or desktop Zoom and Teams have mobile apps but laptops or PCs are best — even if you have something to hold your phone still. Your computer gives you and the interviewer a better view and may be clearer. If you can, plug your laptop in.…

Take your interest in child eyecare to new heights

New masters’ level professional certificate in paediatric eyecare Eyecare practitioners can take their interest in children’s health to new heights with the first Level 7 qualification from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). The equivalent of a masters’ degree, the professional certificate in paediatric eyecare offers advanced skills and knowledge in different aspects of the field, including myopia management -- which can protect sight and prevent it from worsening. The flexible, CPD-accredited course will be delivered part-time online, with…

Every little helps – extra funding for eyecare students

Extra funding for students on eyecare courses is available from the Spectacle Makers’ Charity. The bursary scheme has helped more than 120 people on degree and diploma courses leading directly to a career in eye healthcare care, including:  dispensing optics optometry orthoptics ophthalmic imaging  allied subjects  nurses studying for MSc programmes in clinical ophthalmic practice, or primary care ophthalmology guidance for nursing The scheme is competitive – fewer than one in ten applicants are successful.  It's not about polish The…

How a mentor could help you succeed

As you take the first steps to working life, you need to think about what your passion is. What motivates you? Is it caring, or financial rewards? Getting swift results or building long-term relationships?  Consider your personality and skills and research which careers fit best.  What lifestyle, salary and work/life balance would you like?  A mentor – someone who has already established their career – can help you find the answers to those questions and more.  Building a relationship With…

Day in the life – optical assistant Emily is on her way to a bright future

Emily Steele works for Edmonds & Slatter Opticians in Leicestershire and has just completed the optical assistant course with ABDO College Why did you choose an optical career? I’d started to need glasses a few years before and realised my idea of how glasses were supposed to look was totally out of date. I noticed how much of a fashion statement they are now. I’d previously worked in a pharmacy. I wanted to stay in healthcare but have something more…

Earn while you learn – Level 6 apprenticeships launched

There’s a new way to train as a dispensing optician (DO) and earn while you learn with the launch of Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree. 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 first intake started in September and the next group of learners will begin their courses a year later. The 2025 starters will…

A Day in the Life – the volunteer dispensing optician

Leanne Glanville is a dispensing optician (DO) who volunteers for charity Vision Care for Homeless People Q. What's your role? A. I’ve been a qualified dispensing optician (DO) since 2016. I currently work as a locum once a week and volunteer with Vision Care for Homeless People (VHCP) once a month. Locums are temporary workers, rather than permanent, often self-employed. During my 17 years in optics I have worked in most departments in high street practice.  I started wearing glasses when…