Careers for all talents and interests

Whatever your interests, there’s a career in eyecare that’s just right for you. From optometry to optical sales, frame design to practice manager, take a look at these ideas. Patient care There are lots of careers where you can make a difference to people’s health, from saving their sight to looking after those facing life-changing conditions. Ophthalmologist Optometrist Dispensing optician Orthoptist Ophthalmic nurse People skills Do you enjoy communicating and spending time your day interacting with other people? These roles…

Healthcare employers reach out to teachers and students

Health and social care is one of the most popular career choices among Year 11 students, according to a survey from the national body for careers education in England. The NHS is the most desirable employer, coming ahead of Google, Apple and NASA, according to a questionnaire completed by 230,000 secondary students for the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC).  There are over 350 career pathways available across health and social care, from dentistry to optometry, pharmacy to occupational therapy and…

How to change career

Are you stuck in a role that isn’t right for you? Do you feel unfulfilled – trapped in a career you chose years ago but is no longer satisfying? Maybe it’s time to make a move.  Eyecare is a field that welcomes career changers. Skills gained in other areas are often transferable, such as customer service or communication, and the extra maturity gained by people who have plenty of experience can be a real asset to employers. The government says…

How to find work experience

Work experience isn't always advertised or may not be routinely available in your area of interest. To discover opportunities you'll often need to approach employers directly. Find hidden opportunities Uncovering hidden work experience opportunities isn’t easy, but perseverance pays off. First, talk to family, friends, fellow learners, teachers, tutors or anyone you know through hobbies or extracurricular activities to see if they know of anyone to approach. They might have links to a company of interest and pass on their…

Top tips for Zoom interviews

You’ve applied for the job and got that interview – congratulations! If it’s a Zoom or Teams call, there are some important things to think about compared to a face-to-face meeting. Use a laptop or desktop Zoom and Teams have mobile apps but laptops or PCs are best — even if you have something to hold your phone still. Your computer gives you and the interviewer a better view and may be clearer. If you can, plug your laptop in.…

A Day in the Life – the volunteer dispensing optician

Leanne Glanville is a dispensing optician (DO) who volunteers for charity Vision Care for Homeless People Q. What's your role? A. I’ve been a qualified dispensing optician (DO) since 2016. I currently work as a locum once a week and volunteer with Vision Care for Homeless People (VHCP) once a month. Locums are temporary workers, rather than permanent, often self-employed. During my 17 years in optics I have worked in most departments in high street practice.  I started wearing glasses when…

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…

Making work experience work for employers

Why offer work experience? Providing short-term placements helps employers reach the talent, different perspectives and skills that young people – or career changers – offer. It also provides opportunities for your staff to supervise and mentor, helping to develop their management, leadership and communication skills. Students bring the interests and needs of the next generation of patients and customers. Engaging with the community also helps boost your profile and customer loyalty.  Work experience programmes typically involve shadowing an employee and…

A day in the life – the contact lens optician

Wilma Paton is a contact lens optician at Specsavers in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire What's your role? I’m a dispensing optician (DO) and contact lens optician (CLO). I quickly knew that optics was my career when I first joined Specsavers Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, in a meet and greet role nearly 20 years ago. That developed into the practice manager role. I’ve been learning ever since to progress and support our patients.  I moved to Specsavers Newlands, in Glasgow, ten years ago…