Optical assistants seize the opportunity

More than 200 optical assistants at Specsavers have completed training as clinical technicians, qualified to carry out extra duties.  The scheme takes learners through diagnostic information gathering and pre-assessment procedures, working under optometrist supervision. Michelle Wilks, from the Headingley practice in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was the 201st graduate. Michelle says: “It gives you so much more understanding and I am able to support the clinics even better than before. I was already competent in performing delegated duties, but now I…

Inventing the future

Ever dreamed of inventing your own product? Starting your own business? Amy Gallant Sullivan, creator of eyecare beauty brand, Eyes Are The Story, did just that.  The ‘aha’ moment came in Paris. Amy was there to talk about the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), where she’s executive director. It promotes education on dry eye disease. “It’s twice as prevalent in women as in men. I was thinking, why is that? Could there be something women do more than…

Plymouth Uni optom taster day 2023

Optometry taster day inspires school students

Students from schools across south west England took part in a taster day in April, designed to inspire them to consider a career in optometry. The 50 pupils, from years 10 to 13, met academic staff from Plymouth university’s optometry programme, attended mini lectures on eye anatomy and visual processing, and had the opportunity to take part in a practical session using equipment in the optometry lab, including video slit lamps. A much broader career They also met current students,…

Five reasons why becoming a dispensing optician is a great career choice

Qualifying as an optician gives you access to a rewarding career. From the opportunity to earn while you learn to being a style guru or getting to grips with the latest technology, there are many reasons to consider this option for your future. Flexible learning You can study ophthalmic dispensing full or part-time, so you can earn while you learn. There are day release and distance learning options, or foundation degree (two year) and BSc (three year) courses.  Providers include…

New sponsor boosts Careers in Eyecare

Careers in Eyecare has gained new sponsorship from Vivid Optical, the leading recruitment consultancy in optometry. The support will help the campaign to continue its outreach to young people, parents, careers advisors and anyone looking to switch careers or develop their skills. Search this website for career profiles and features about what it is really like to work in a range of roles, from ophthalmic assistants to ophthalmologists. You can also learn about careers in business, retail, fashion, design, science,…

Starting from scratch

Megan never planned to become a dispensing optician. Now she’s on course to become fully qualified in a professional career. She applied for a job at Specsavers Fox Valley practice in Sheffield in her year out before going to university. She had planned to study forensic science. “I had no idea what working at an opticians involved as I’d never had an eye test myself,” Megan says. She quickly realised she’d found her passion. “As I grew more comfortable with…

Specsavers launches neurodiversity training

Specsavers is offering staff e-learning to help them understand the needs of customers with conditions such as autism or ADHD. The module is available for community practices as well as in support offices. 'With around 15% of people in the UK thought to be neurodiverse, it's really important that we all understand neurodiversity. Having this knowledge, and the ability to have the right conversations, will make a big difference,’ says Amy Cooper, co-chair of the neurodiversity colleague network group. 'The…

Why use a recruitment agency to find a job?

When you start looking for a job, it can often be an extremely overwhelming process with many people not knowing where to start. As an active job seeker there are an array of options out there to make use of, but none are quite as beneficial as reaching out to a recruitment agency and making use of their services. But what benefits really are there for using an agency as opposed to doing it yourself? Well, there are a variety…

Finding a job in optics

Optics is a niche industry that is split into a handful of sectors: multiples, independents, hospitals and domiciliary providers. Multiples are the most widely recognised companies within optics and largely dominate the industry. They place a high importance on the sales aspect of the business, with busy schedules and offer the chance to progress within your career. They are based everywhere in the UK and include big names such as Boots, Specsavers, Vision Express, etc.   The independent sector is…

Optometrist speeds to the qualifying line

Optometrist Katie Martin has achieved her pre-registration qualifications in under a year, surprising her colleagues. Trainees have two years and three months to finish the scheme. Nathan Burn, a director at Specsavers Plymouth, says: “We’ve all said a huge congratulations to Katie for stunning us by completing her pre-reg so quickly. “We're simply in awe of her. It really is a fantastic achievement. She made it look so easy, even though many others will tell you it absolutely isn't. We're…