Explore a great career as a dispensing optician

Are you interested in healthcare, science or fashion trends? Helping people achieve their potential at work or in education? Working with children or vulnerable people? There’s a great career on offer in dispensing optics. This field gives you the chance to qualify as a registered health professional, with a degree or diploma. You’ll develop skills in fitting and supplying spectacles that take account of your patients’ needs and lifestyle.  Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians (DOs) have a minimum…

Dispensing optician apprenticeships reach new heights

It’s National Apprenticeship Week and there’s never been a better time to consider this way of training as a dispensing optician (DO). Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree, were launched for the first time in September, allowing you to earn while you learn. DOs advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They can take further training to fit contact lenses.  The next group of learners will…

ABDO College to host apprenticeship webinars in National Apprenticeship week

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (10–16 February), ABDO College are running a number of 'Introduction to apprenticeships' webinars to help guide and inform prospective students and employers interested in this new and exciting pathway to become a dispensing optician. The key concepts behind apprenticeships will be introduced as well as the similarities and differences to traditional pathways. The webinars will run through Microsoft Teams to allow interaction and conversation and are open to all. Laura Stratton, apprenticeships manager, said,  "As…

Take your interest in child eyecare to new heights

New masters’ level professional certificate in paediatric eyecare Eyecare practitioners can take their interest in children’s health to new heights with the first Level 7 qualification from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). The equivalent of a masters’ degree, the professional certificate in paediatric eyecare offers advanced skills and knowledge in different aspects of the field, including myopia management -- which can protect sight and prevent it from worsening. The flexible, CPD-accredited course will be delivered part-time online, with…

Earn while you learn – Level 6 apprenticeships launched

There’s a new way to train as a dispensing optician (DO) and earn while you learn with the launch of Level 6 apprenticeships, equivalent to a degree. DOs advise on, fit and supply the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each person’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They can take further training to fit contact lenses.  The first intake started in September and the next group of learners will begin their courses a year later. The 2025 starters will…

A Day in the Life – the volunteer dispensing optician

Leanne Glanville is a dispensing optician (DO) who volunteers for charity Vision Care for Homeless People Q. What's your role? A. I’ve been a qualified dispensing optician (DO) since 2016. I currently work as a locum once a week and volunteer with Vision Care for Homeless People (VHCP) once a month. Locums are temporary workers, rather than permanent, often self-employed. During my 17 years in optics I have worked in most departments in high street practice.  I started wearing glasses when…

A level results day – what’s next?

Today's one of the most stressful dates for many students. It may feel like 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. Many more choose apprenticeships, internships, gap years, or go straight into work.   How Clearing works Universities fill spaces that are still available after results day via Clearing, matching students with places. This year the system…

A day in the life – the contact lens optician

Wilma Paton is a contact lens optician at Specsavers in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire What's your role? I’m a dispensing optician (DO) and contact lens optician (CLO). I quickly knew that optics was my career when I first joined Specsavers Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, in a meet and greet role nearly 20 years ago. That developed into the practice manager role. I’ve been learning ever since to progress and support our patients.  I moved to Specsavers Newlands, in Glasgow, ten years ago…

Get that job – how to succeed at interview

Getting a job in eyecare requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. The interview is crucial – a chance to showcase your qualifications and personality. Here are some top tips to help you succeed from Danny Alaimo, associate director at Vivid Optical recruitment consultants. Research Before stepping into the interview room, thoroughly research the firm. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also allow you to tailor your responses to align…

Specsavers rated “a great place to work”

The optical chain has qualified as a Great Place to Work-certified business, based on feedback from staff. At least 65 per cent of employees have to report a consistently good experience under the scheme, which assesses workplace culture. In the UK 80 per cent of those surveyed responded positively. Specsavers businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Canada, as well as manufacturing and distribution sites in Hungary and Hong Kong, have also qualified. The company is now accredited across four…