Awards, bursaries and scholarships

Apprenticeships, Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, Looking for work, Work 23 December 202522 December 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Eyecare firm scoops national awards for apprenticeships

A high street optical chain came top in five categories at the 2025 regional and national Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. Specsavers won large apprenticeship employer of the year, while Katie House (pictured holding award) was named apprentice of the year. Dena Wyatt, head of apprenticeships, was named skills champion in the regional section. Katie said: ‘The highlight of this apprenticeship is actually seeing my development grow, I have been able to be a part of some many amazing things because…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, For students, For teachers, Looking for work, Optical assistant, Optometrist, Work 16 September 202516 September 2025 Kaye McIntosh

Eyecare clinic ‘one of the best workplaces for women’

Eyecare clinic Newmedica Plymouth has been named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2025. The award recognises the firm’s commitment to championing gender equality, supporting women’s career development and fostering an inclusive work environment. Shannon Page joined 18 months ago as an ophthalmic assistant before progressing to be a service engagement co-ordinator. She says: “I feel recognised, appreciated, supported and listened to on a daily basis, so I’m very pleased to hear about this award because it really…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Education, For students, Students, Study 31 October 20245 November 2024 Kaye McIntosh

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…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships 25 October 202321 November 2023 Carol Smith

Spectacle Makers’ opens student bursary scheme for 2023-24 academic year

The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has opened applications for student bursaries for the 2023-24 academic year. Since launch, the bursary scheme has helped more than 120 students enrolled on degree and diploma courses in dispensing, orthoptics, optometry, ophthalmic imaging and allied subjects leading directly to a career in eye health care. Nurses studying for MSc programmes in clinical ophthalmic practice/ primary care ophthalmology guidance for nursing are also eligible. The scheme is competitive and fewer than one in ten applicants will…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships 19 October 202318 October 2023 Carol Smith

Orthoptist takes office as Master of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

In what she called “a giant leap for orthoptists”, Liz Shilling (known professionally as Liz Tomlin), was installed this week as Master of The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, the first orthoptist ever to serve as Master in the Company’s almost 400 year-old history. Liz studied Orthoptics at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. In 1992 she started work at St Thomas’ Hospital, London and has worked there ever since, for the last 25 years in the role of Head Orthoptist…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, GCSEs, Looking for work, Optometrist, Students, Study, Work, Work experience 24 March 202324 March 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Specsavers expands bursary scheme

A project to inspire young people to become optometrists is being expanded across the UK. Specsavers is rolling out its Bright Futures bursary programme into England and Wales after it was initially launched in Scotland and Northern Ireland. More than £2,000 is available to help students into their career and pay for some of their equipment. The programme also offers part-time work in local branches, providing vital experience as well as shadowing and mentoring. "The bursary will allow partners in…

Apprenticeships, Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, Optical assistant, Optometrist, Orthoptist, Students, Study 24 November 202224 November 2022 Kaye McIntosh

Bag a bursary

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…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships 17 January 202212 January 2022 Antonia Chitty

Research scholarships for optometrists

The College of Optometrists’ Research Scholarships have returned for 2022, including a new one-off funding opportunity at postdoctoral level.Part-funded by donations from College members, the Postdoctoral Research Award provides an optometrist at postdoctoral level with the opportunity to be principal investigator on a research project in the area of swollen optic nerves and referral thresholds. Michael Bowen, Director of Research at The College of Optometrists, says: “The College’s Scholarships represent an important aspect of the College’s engagement with research, and…

Category Archives: Awards, bursaries and scholarships