Six reasons to choose an eyecare career in… orthoptics

Orthoptists are the experts in diagnosing and treating defects in eye movement and problems with how the eyes work together, called binocular vision. This field offers a fascinating and rewarding career. Make a real difference Orthoptics lets you change lives every day. Imagine the dramatic impact of helping children see clearly for the first time, or fixing a patient’s double vision. Cutting-edge science If you’re fascinated by how the body and brain work together, orthoptics is for you. It combines…

How to revise, survive and thrive

If you struggle with revision, then try some of these tips and tricks. They could make all the difference! Get started If you put things off, the Pomodoro method can help. Set a timer for 25 minutes – even the most reluctant procrastinator can usually manage such a short period. Then take a five minute break. Start another 25 minute session. If you do four of these in a row, each time followed by a break, you can then have…

Plymouth Uni optom taster day 2023

Six reasons to choose a career in optometry

Optometrists are skilled health professionals, qualified to carry out sight tests, identify eye health problems, prescribe spectacles and contact lenses and even treat some eye conditions.  1. Make a difference Optometry is a rewarding career, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll diagnose sight problems and identify health issues – you could even save someone’s sight. Getting the right prescription can be life-changing, helping young people succeed at school, older people stay independent and everyone in…

Top tips – filling in your UCAS form

Applying to university can be nerve-wracking and completing the UCAS form is one of the most daunting elements. Don’t leave it to the last minute! There’s so much information to provide and so many choices to make, you need time to plan carefully. Here are some top tips to help your application stand out. Check the deadlines Make sure you know your school’s or college’s deadlines and work back from those dates so that you have time to find all…

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…

Every little helps – extra funding for eyecare students

Extra funding for students on eyecare courses is available from the Spectacle Makers’ Charity. The bursary scheme has helped more than 120 people on degree and diploma courses leading directly to a career in eye healthcare care, including:  dispensing optics optometry orthoptics ophthalmic imaging  allied subjects  nurses studying for MSc programmes in clinical ophthalmic practice, or primary care ophthalmology guidance for nursing The scheme is competitive – fewer than one in ten applicants are successful.  It's not about polish The…

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…

Six great reasons to choose a career in eyecare

There are lots of different ways in You could start working as an optical assistant and can study online to learn more about eyecare and eyewear. Learn through block release or day release as a student or apprentice dispensing optician  and you earn while you learn – get a diploma or a degree while being paid. Or head to university for a degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometry, followed by clinical experience under supervision. Explore your interests Whether you are…

GCSE results day – what’s next?

Your exam results can be key to your next steps at sixth form or college – or your chances of getting a job. But if you don’t get the grades you wanted, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades? If you are not far off what was needed for your chosen subject you may be able to study it if your college has some flexibility. Go in on enrolment day and talk to them, with someone…

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…

1 2 3 5