Kaye McIntosh – Page 9 – Careers in Eyecare

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Optical assistant, Work 23 September 202322 September 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Outstanding apprenticeships grade for optical group

SPECSAVERS’ apprenticeship programme has achieved top marks, with an outstanding rating from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). It is the only optical and retail training employer provider to have achieved this grade on the latest list of outstanding providers in England. Specsavers is one of eight employer providers graded as outstanding. Group chief executive John Perkins says: “An apprenticeship will be the first step for many people starting a career in optics and we want to make sure…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For Employers, For students, Looking for work, Optical assistant 9 September 202313 September 2023 Kaye McIntosh

How an apprenticeship works for us

Apprenticeships are a great way for trainees to earn while they learn and develop their career. Employers benefit from staff gaining skills and knowledge. Macey, an apprentice optical assistant at Michael Offord Optometrist – Opticians in Newcastle and Sam, the practice manager, tell us what makes their journey a success. Macey, apprentice In September I started my apprenticeship with Woodspeen Training after being an optical assistant on a Saturday. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about dispensing, spectacle…

Careers in eyecare, Day in the life, Ophthalmologist, Students, Work 31 August 202330 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Day in the life: the eye surgeon

Guy Negretti is a consultant eye specialist – an ophthalmologist – working across three NHS trusts, Moorfields, Barts Health and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare How you start work – what do you do first? Three mornings a week I’m in the operating theatre. I arrive on the ward at around 8am and see all the patients, answering any questions and reassuring them. Other mornings I am in the outpatient clinic, dealing with ophthalmic emergencies or in a specialist clinic. What…

A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, Exams, For students, Looking for work, Optical assistant, Students, Study, Work 17 August 202317 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Exam results not what you hoped for? A career in eyecare can offer a bright future

The government in England is planning to reduce the number of top A level grades this year. Ministers want to return to pre-pandemic statistics, the proportion awarded in 2019. Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly. It may be bad news for some students, parents and schools. But if you miss out, there are still plenty of options for a rewarding career in eyecare. Whether you are into science and technology, fashion or engaging with people, there’s a great future…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, GCSEs, Looking for work, Study, Traineeships, Work 10 August 20239 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Listen up! Care for people with hearing loss

It’s a little-known field but audiology is a rewarding option for everyone from school leavers and graduates to career changers, says Emma Walker, director of hearing services at Farnham Specsavers Hearing Centre. Emma’s career wasn’t planned. She got a part-time job with Specsavers during university. “My English degree didn’t point me in any direction. When I graduated I went full time as an optical assistant.” The store had a vacancy for a hearing aid dispenser and suggested Emma take the…

Apprenticeships, Exams, For students, GCSEs, Study, T Levels, Traineeships, Work 1 August 20231 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Waiting for exam results?

Have you survived your GCSEs, or nationals in Scotland? It can be a nerve-wracking time. Here are some tips to help. When will I find out? Results day for National Qualifications in Scotland is on Tuesday 8 August and GCSE results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and some Scottish schools) is on Thursday 24 August. Well done! Congratulate yourself. Whether you get the results you expected or not, that's OK. Try to celebrate what you have achieved – you…

Careers in eyecare, Day in the life, Dispensing optician, Work 27 July 202327 July 2023 Kaye McIntosh

A day in the life: dispensing optician and practice owner Scott O’Neill

Scott set up and owns Doctor Oculus in Birmingham What is your role? I am a dispensing optician, which means I have studied to become an expert in tailoring different kinds of lenses for glasses. It helps to enjoy maths to do this job, but the most important thing is being able to talk and listen to people’s different lifestyle needs so that they can get glasses that let them see as best as possible. I often say my job…

For Employers 30 June 202330 June 2023 Kaye McIntosh

For employers – how to get the most from work experience

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…

For Employers, STEM 26 June 202326 June 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Spreading the news about optical careers

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…

Careers in eyecare, Design, Education, Study 13 June 202313 June 2023 Kaye McIntosh

A winning design: framing the future

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…

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Author Archives: Kaye McIntosh