Guy Negretti is a consultant eye specialist – an ophthalmologist – working across three NHS trusts, Moorfields, Barts Health and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare How you start work – what do you do first? Three mornings a week I’m in the operating theatre. I arrive on the ward at around 8am and see all the patients, answering any questions and reassuring them. Other mornings I am in the outpatient clinic, dealing with ophthalmic emergencies or in a specialist clinic. What…
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…
It’s a little-known field but audiology is a rewarding option for everyone from school leavers and graduates to career changers, says Emma Walker, director of hearing services at Farnham Specsavers Hearing Centre. Emma’s career wasn’t planned. She got a part-time job with Specsavers during university. “My English degree didn’t point me in any direction. When I graduated I went full time as an optical assistant.” The store had a vacancy for a hearing aid dispenser and suggested Emma take the…
As a GOC (General Optical Council) registered optometrist in the UK, writing a compelling curriculum vitae (CV) is crucial to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experiences effectively. With the demand for eye care professionals on the rise, a well-crafted CV can help you stand out from the competition and secure opportunities in this highly competitive field. This blog will guide you through the process of creating a perfect CV tailored specifically for a GOC registered optometrist in the UK. Understand…
Have you survived your GCSEs, or nationals in Scotland? It can be a nerve-wracking time. Here are some tips to help. When will I find out? Results day for National Qualifications in Scotland is on Tuesday 8 August and GCSE results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and some Scottish schools) is on Thursday 24 August. Well done! Congratulate yourself. Whether you get the results you expected or not, that's OK. Try to celebrate what you have achieved – you…
Scott set up and owns Doctor Oculus in Birmingham What is your role? I am a dispensing optician, which means I have studied to become an expert in tailoring different kinds of lenses for glasses. It helps to enjoy maths to do this job, but the most important thing is being able to talk and listen to people’s different lifestyle needs so that they can get glasses that let them see as best as possible. I often say my job…
Vivid Optical is the leading recruitment consultancy in optometry and one of the sponsors of Careers in Eyecare. Vivid Optical works very closely with a range of employers in the optometry sector including all the biggest names in the market. Let’s me the team: Luke Elias Since 2011, Luke and Stephen have grown The Vivid Group global. With expertise in niche industries such as Healthcare, Technology and Optical, the group continues to grow under their tutelage. Joe Preston Coming into…
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…
Ever dreamed of inventing your own product? Starting your own business? Amy Gallant Sullivan, creator of eyecare beauty brand, Eyes Are The Story, did just that. The ‘aha’ moment came in Paris. Amy was there to talk about the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), where she’s executive director. It promotes education on dry eye disease. “It’s twice as prevalent in women as in men. I was thinking, why is that? Could there be something women do more than…
Qualifying as an optician gives you access to a rewarding career. From the opportunity to earn while you learn to being a style guru or getting to grips with the latest technology, there are many reasons to consider this option for your future. Flexible learning You can study ophthalmic dispensing full or part-time, so you can earn while you learn. There are day release and distance learning options, or foundation degree (two year) and BSc (three year) courses. Providers include…