1. Become a respected health professional Orthoptists are experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. They are registered with and regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To qualify, they study for a degree in orthoptics. You can find out more about the course, including where you can study, here. Each university sets their own entry requirements but they usually include good GCSE Maths, English…
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…
The entrepreneur – connecting optometrists and doctors
Dr Meera Radia is an ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the founder of digital platform PocketEye What motivated you to become an eye doctor? As early as I can remember, I was fascinated by the blend of surgery with medicine that ophthalmology brings. I remember watching a television documentary about charity eye camps when I was a child. Seeing how you can positively impact someone’s life through a simple cataract operation really motivated me to learn more.…
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…
Spreading the news about optical careers
Tony Harvey is a STEM Ambassador, going into schools to tell young people about careers in optics Being an optician is a bit of a Cinderella job – careers teachers often don't know anything about it and most of the kids have never thought of it as an option. I visit schools and colleges to promote optical careers as a STEM ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). I get invitations to careers evenings, science workshops or interview training. You might…
What’s it like to be a STEM Ambassador?
Firstly, I will point out that I am new to being a STEM Ambassador. I took the plunge a couple of months back and went through the process as outlined on their website. STEM offers great support and guidance, including training materials that take you through the application process. They even handle the DBS for you. My motivation was really as an extension of the Careers in Eyecare work that ABDO has engaged with. Becoming an Ambassador seemed like a…
Become a STEM ambassador
Are you looking for a new challenge? Have you thought about becoming a STEM ambassador? You could inspire a future dispensing optician, optometrist or optical assistant. Find what being a STEM ambassador entails and how to apply using the links below. Become a STEM ambassador Read Nick’s experience of his first STEM sessions Tips for talking to students about STEM STEM Careers in Eyecare lesson plan Careers in Eyecare Lesson powerpoint Are you a teacher? You can book a STEM ambassador to come…
Tips for talking to students about STEM
Lucy Knock BA MA PGCE is the Early Careers Manager, Clinical Services for Specsavers. Part of her role involves inspiring the next generation of eyecare professionals, talking to students at schools and colleges, and in this article she shares her tips. Firstly, if you are talking to young people about careers in eyecare, show, and really demonstrate, how STEM impacts our everyday lives. You could show how an OCT scan picks up subtle changes in layers of the retina allowing…
How to become a STEM ambassador
What is STEM? STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines: ScienceTechnology EngineeringMathematics STEM education in the UK has grown in recent years as a curriculum that aims to skill students by presenting a cohesive learning platform that based on real-world applications. It underpins the foundational stage of many sectors, including healthcare, and is often integral to an organisation and thus is becoming an ever-more important field for students. What is a STEM Ambassador? Aged 17+ and at…
STEM Careers in Eyecare lesson plan
Area of focusSTEM CareersLesson plan titleSTEM Careers in EyecareTime needed60 minutesYear groupYear 10+Lesson plan overviewStudents will research a range of eyecare careers linked to STEM subjects and present back to class what information they have found.Learning outcomesStudents will better be able to link the learning in the classroom to a range of careers they may be interested in Students will see how STEM subjects fit into so many careers and that with a good understanding of STEM subjects the world…