Outstanding apprenticeships grade for optical group

SPECSAVERS’ apprenticeship programme has achieved top marks, with an outstanding rating from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). It is the only optical and retail training employer provider to have achieved this grade on the latest list of outstanding providers in England. Specsavers is one of eight employer providers graded as outstanding. Group chief executive John Perkins says: “An apprenticeship will be the first step for many people starting a career in optics and we want to make sure…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Do you need to be good at maths to work in eyecare?

If you are into fashion, love caring for people, or working on a busy shop floor, there’s a future for you in eyecare. Don’t assume you need top grades in maths – you may have other, more important skills. Becoming an optical assistant is a great place to start. Employers often feel that a flair for customer service and being willing to learn can be more important than exam results. Responsibilities You’ll be responsible for welcoming people and helping them…

Bag a bursary

The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has opened its bursary application scheme for the current academic year to help students on apprenticeships, degree and diploma courses. These must be in optometry, dispensing, orthoptics or allied eye care subjects. Ophthalmic nurses and clinical technicians are also eligible. People can apply for financial support if they are on a recognised course at Level 4 or above which is designed to lead directly to a career in eye health. This includes: apprenticeships in ophthalmic clinical support…

Event: have you thought about running your own business?

Becoming a dispensing optician or optometrist gives you a range of options for your career. Some people may enjoy the clinical side of the role, while others may like to focus on management and retail. If you would like to have control over all aspects of the business, have you thought about running your own optical practice? You can discover more about running a practice at the ABDO Become an Independent Optician twilight session. This event is free of charge…

Flexible bank and locum careers in eyecare

If you are still at school or college you may want to know more about which careers offer flexible ways to work. There are plenty of ways to work flexibly when you work in eyecare, and in this article we look at being a locum. A locum is a stand-in for a regular member of staff. You can find locum doctors, optometrists and opticians. Nurses, support workers and health care assistants can also work flexibly. You might hear about working…

What eyecare jobs are there for school leavers?

If you are leaving school this summer, it is a great time to think about your options. You may want to go on to further education or higher education, but you might want to get a job. There are a number of roles for young people working in eyecare. Becoming an optical assistant is a great place to start. This is a good role for you if you like working with people. You could also be interested in fashion, technology,…