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…
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…
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…
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…
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…