Education – Careers in Eyecare

A levels, Careers in eyecare, Education, For Employers, For students, Optical assistant, Study, Work 1 March 20241 March 2024 Kaye McIntosh

New BTEC for optical assistants

Specsavers has created a BTEC qualification to develop the skills of thousands of optical assistants (OAs) working in its community practices.  The new Pearson BTEC Level 3 certificate includes units from the existing Pearson BTEC Level 3 certificate for optometric clinical assistants and dispensing assistants. Learners choose additional units to fit their roles, providing a tailored learning experience.  Jodie Glanville (pictured) is the first person to complete the new qualification, works at Specsavers’ Plymouth practice: “I use the knowledge I gained completing the Cert 3…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, Looking for work, Optical assistant, Students, Study, Work, Work experience 5 February 202423 February 2024 Kaye McIntosh

Celebrating apprentices with learning differences and disabilities

Virtual event, Monday 5 Feb 1pm–2pm Register here Join this webinar on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week to hear from disabled apprentices, and those with learning differences, sharing what works when it comes to supporting people with additional needs. Rabia Lemahieu of Disability Rights UK explains how employers can embrace diversity.

Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, STEM, Students, Study 12 January 202412 January 2024 Kaye McIntosh

It’s not all rocket science – podcast highlights careers in STEM

If you are wondering where studying science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) could take you, turn to the the Eye Opening Careers podcast for inspiration. Hosts Gemma Drake, an early careers specialist, and optics educator Nas Hinglotwala are passionate about helping young people succeed. They talk to students, employers and university tutors about careers in science, exploring how Gen Z are navigating their post-16 studies. In the latest episode, second year pharmacy students Abigail Wattleworth and Uns Khatib discuss their…

A levels, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, GCSEs, Students, Study, Work 18 October 202318 October 2023 Kaye McIntosh

The teachers’ guide to careers in eyecare

The optical world is less well known than other branches of healthcare. But it offers a range of rewarding careers, for people with all kinds of talents and interests. Some roles offer recruits the chance to earn while they learn, while qualifications include apprenticeships, diplomas or degrees. From healthcare to fashion, technology to retail, management, design or manufacturing, there’s an eyecare role for everyone. We’ve got a whole host of resources for students and teachers. Careers in eyecare lesson plan …

A levels, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, Optometrist, STEM, Students, Work 30 September 202330 September 2023 Kaye McIntosh

What jobs can you do with an optometry degree?

If you’ve just started your degree, are going into the final year or are doing A levels, you may be wondering about your career options. Becoming a community optometrist is the obvious choice, but there are a wide range of pathways out there. Domiciliary optometrist These are optometrists who visit patients in their homes, schools, care homes or community centres. Your patients may have medical conditions, physical or learning disabilities, so you should be flexible and able to adapt your…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For Employers, For students, Looking for work, Optical assistant 9 September 202313 September 2023 Kaye McIntosh

How an apprenticeship works for us

Apprenticeships are a great way for trainees to earn while they learn and develop their career. Employers benefit from staff gaining skills and knowledge. Macey, an apprentice optical assistant at Michael Offord Optometrist – Opticians in Newcastle and Sam, the practice manager, tell us what makes their journey a success. Macey, apprentice In September I started my apprenticeship with Woodspeen Training after being an optical assistant on a Saturday. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about dispensing, spectacle…

A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, Exams, For students, Looking for work, Optical assistant, Students, Study, Work 17 August 202317 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Exam results not what you hoped for? A career in eyecare can offer a bright future

The government in England is planning to reduce the number of top A level grades this year. Ministers want to return to pre-pandemic statistics, the proportion awarded in 2019. Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly. It may be bad news for some students, parents and schools. But if you miss out, there are still plenty of options for a rewarding career in eyecare. Whether you are into science and technology, fashion or engaging with people, there’s a great future…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, GCSEs, Looking for work, Study, Traineeships, Work 10 August 20239 August 2023 Kaye McIntosh

Listen up! Care for people with hearing loss

It’s a little-known field but audiology is a rewarding option for everyone from school leavers and graduates to career changers, says Emma Walker, director of hearing services at Farnham Specsavers Hearing Centre. Emma’s career wasn’t planned. She got a part-time job with Specsavers during university. “My English degree didn’t point me in any direction. When I graduated I went full time as an optical assistant.” The store had a vacancy for a hearing aid dispenser and suggested Emma take the…

Careers in eyecare, Design, Education, Study 13 June 202313 June 2023 Kaye McIntosh

A winning design: framing the future

Did you ever wonder how spectacle frames are designed? The Royal College of Art (RCA) runs an annual competition for the best design from its students – the winning entry is shown off at the 100% Optical show. This year’s theme was sustainable sunglasses. Students had to use materials that don’t hurt the planet or people’s pockets during the cost of living crisis. Careers in Eyecare spoke to the winner, Linwei Zheng. What encouraged you to enter the competition?I'm currently…

Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, Optical assistant, Study, Work 9 June 20239 June 2023 Kaye McIntosh

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…

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Category Archives: Education