A fresh route to a career in eye imaging

A new degree apprenticeship offers fresh vocational options in eye imaging. The University of Gloucester’s BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science Practitioner Apprenticeship (Ophthalmic Imaging) course is a distanced blended learning programme.  Ophthalmic imaging uses powerful technology to capture vital information from patient examinations. It is essential for diagnosing, treating and monitoring eye conditions. Images play a central role in disease screening, teaching, clinical trials and telemedicine. Ophthalmic imaging technicians work in hospital eye services. There is a national shortage of qualified…

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…

Exams success inspiration

If you are awaiting exam results in a state of trepidation, read this article from newly qualified dispensing optician Matthew. We covered a day in his life as a student DO - now he is ready for his first fully qualified role! Well done Matthew, it's inspiring to read your story. On the Thursday morning, 11 August 2022, around 1am I ran upstairs and woke my wife up. She was confused until she heard my words; “I passed! I bl**dy…

What happens if your GCSE results aren’t what you need?

If you are awaiting your GCSE results you may be feeling relaxed – or you may be really worried. Your GCSE results can be key to your next steps at sixth form or college. But if things don’t work out how you hoped, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades? If you are not far off what was needed to study your chosen subject you may be able to study it if your college has some…

Studying for T Levels? You should go to Specsavers

Specsavers has announced an initiative to help develop talented new healthcare specialists. It has pledged to offer 100 placements in optical care services for learners studying the new Government-led T Level qualification in Healthcare Science. Working in partnership with the educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning NCFE, it is hoped the scheme will help to expand the pipeline of talented individuals entering the profession.  Dena Wyatt, National Apprenticeship Manager for UK Apprenticeships at Specsavers, says: ‘Supporting the…

What happens if A level results don’t go how you hoped?

A level results day can be a fraught time as you’ve pinned your hopes and next steps on getting the grades you need for a particular course at a particular university. But if things don’t work out how you hoped, there are alternatives for you to consider. Just missed your grades – you may still find that your first choice is possible as the university may decide to offer the place to you anyway via a ‘changed course offer’ meaning…

What to ask when you go to a careers fair

If your school or college is putting on a careers fair, it's worth thinking about what to ask before you go. A careers fair gives you the chance to speak to someone already working in a role. It's a great chance to get an inside take on a number of different jobs. Planning your questions ahead can help so what should you ask? Here are some ideas to get you thinking. Before you go, look at the list of attendees.…

Frame designer and sustainability champion Yair Neuman

Yair Neuman is a ground breaking frame designer who has used old spectacle lenses to create sculptures, lighting, and new spectacle frames. Read on to discover how he developed a new material and learned how to turn it into glasses and much more. Yair, what was your first job? I worked at a place that was a paradise in winter and a sort of hell in summer, that was in front of a furnace in a foundry for casting sculptures…

Summer school in Ophthalmology

If you are thinking about a career in ophthalmology, you might be interested in a course from the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. This three day certificated course is aimed at medical students, junior doctors and others who are interested in ophthalmology as a potential career choice. The online course will be presented by leading consultant ophthalmologists from Moorfields Eye Hospital and leading clinical scientists at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. The course will cover current clinical and ground breaking scientific aspects…

What to think about when choosing your A levels

When you are deciding on A level topics it can seem overwhelming - but don't panic. Read on for tips to help you, and advice on timings. First, you might want to think about the sort of job you would like to do. Look on a careers website like Careers in Eyecare and find out the entry requirements to careers you might like. Will you need A levels or a degree? If there is a training course, you can contact…