Chloe tells us why she chose an apprenticeship in dispensing optics. She's a student dispensing optician at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists in Bristol What inspired you to become a dispensing optician? From a young age I have always wanted to become an optometrist but after getting a Saturday job in optics while studying for my A levels I discovered there were other paths than just going to university. After finishing my A-levels I decided I didn’t want to go to university.…
When Jessica Firrell finished sixth form, she wasn’t sure what came next. University didn’t feel like the right fit. “I’d been working two part-time jobs while I was at college and realised I much preferred being active and learning on the job.” Instead, she turned to apprenticeships, hoping to find something more hands-on and fulfilling. She applied for several in business and marketing but the interviews confirmed what she already suspected – that an office-based role wasn’t for her. Then…
Healthcare is always a popular field for young people thinking of their future careers. But it’s not just about medicine or nursing – there’s a wide range of rewarding options, for people with all kinds of talents and interests. Eyecare has pathways that appeal to all sorts of interests, skills and talents. From healthcare to fashion, technology to retail, management, design or manufacturing, there’s a role for everyone. Optics has careers that offer recruits the chance to earn while they…
There are lots of different routes You could start working as an optical assistant and study online to learn more about eyecare and eyewear. Or become a student or apprentice dispensing optician and earn while you learn via block release or day release. You can get a diploma or a degree while being paid. You could head to university for a degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometry, followed by clinical experience under supervision to become a registered health professional. Other…
Today’s one of the most stressful dates for many learners. It may feel like a disaster if you don’t get the grades for your chosen course, but there are options. Universities still want you – more than 50,000 students find their places through Clearing every year. There are plenty of healthcare fields outside medicine, where you can study to become a respected professional, combining patient care with science and technology. You could even move into medicine after studying something else…
Whatever your interests, there’s a career in eyecare that’s just right for you. From optometry to optical sales, frame design to practice manager, take a look at these ideas. Patient care There are lots of careers where you can make a difference to people’s health, from saving their sight to looking after those facing life-changing conditions. Ophthalmologist Optometrist Dispensing optician Orthoptist Ophthalmic nurse People skills Do you enjoy communicating and spending time your day interacting with other people? These roles…
There’s a great future waiting for you in the growing field of optics. Almost 60% of people in the UK wear spectacles, among the highest percentages in Europe, and 9% wear contact lenses. Did you know dispensing opticians and optometrists can help to slow the progression of myopia (short sight) in children? Or help to manage conditions such as dry eye, often linked to screen use? Key roles Optometrists are health professionals who provide vision care. They are trained to…
A pioneering optical care course is opening career opportunities for Year 12 and 13 students. Aston University Sixth Form, in Birmingham, is the first college in the UK to have learners studying T Level optical care, says assistant principal Ruth Mercy. The two-year course, equivalent to an A Level, is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the sector. Ruth says: ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest…
There’s a great future waiting for you in eyecare, with lots of choice whatever your interests and skills. Whether you are planning to go into employment straight from school, head to university, or you are already working and looking for a new career, there are plenty of reasons to go into this field. Enjoy flexible training and careers Whether you want to train or work full or part-time, weekends or weekdays, there’s a job for you. More and more high…
If you are in Year 13, it can feel like everyone is asking what you plan to do next. Where does your future lie? It feels like the pressure is on and you have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Don't worry. You have time to explore your options and there’s plenty of help and information out there. Finding the right career There’s lots of ways to find ideas and explore whether they…