Education – Page 4 – Careers in Eyecare

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…

A levels, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, Optometrist, Students, Study 11 May 202311 May 2023 Kaye McIntosh

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,…

A levels, Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Contact lens optician, Dispensing optician, Education, For Employers, For students, Optical practice manager, Students, Study, T Levels, Work 13 April 202313 April 2023 Kaye McIntosh

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…

Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, Optometrist 31 March 202331 March 2023 Kaye McIntosh

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…

Apprenticeships, Careers in eyecare, Dispensing optician, Education, For students, Study, Work 30 March 202331 March 2023 Kaye McIntosh

A day in the life: optical apprenticeships tutor

Kay Bagshaw is a dispensing optician and a tutor for optical apprenticeships at Woodspeen Training How do you start your day? I log onto the e-portfolio system and check if any learners have uploaded work ready for feedback. I go through emails and diary tasks. Then it’s on to the first group training session, on a Teams call with a group of learners for 2.5 hours. We will discuss a new topic, or build knowledge by adding to a previous…

Awards, bursaries and scholarships, Careers in eyecare, Education, For students, GCSEs, Looking for work, Optometrist, Students, Study, Work, Work experience 24 March 202324 March 2023 Kaye McIntosh

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…

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