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Want to be an Optical Assistant? This is everything you need to know 

Are you interested in a career as an Optical Assistant? If so, you may be curious about what the day-to-day life of an OA entails. In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of this role.  As an Optical Assistant, your primary responsibility is to support optometrists and opticians in providing excellent eye care […]

SPAMEDICA WIN IMPORTANT NEW AWARD FOR THEIR TREMENDOUS EFFORTS

SpaMedica, a leading provider of ophthalmology services in the UK, has been recognized for its efforts to create a dementia-friendly environment in its clinics.   The company recently received a Dementia Friendly Award from the Alzheimer’s Society in recognition of its commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for patients with dementia.  The award is […]

THE VALUABLE IMPACT OPTOMETRISTS COULD HAVE ON THE WORLD

Optometrist Andrew Keirl recently reflected on the changes and opportunities facing the profession in an interview with Optometry Today. Keirl discussed the impact of technological advancements on optometry, including the increased use of telehealth and artificial intelligence in eye care.  Keirl also spoke about the expanding role of optometrists in the healthcare system, with more […]

HOW TO MAKE YOUR JOB SEARCH A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

Job searching can be a daunting task, but there are many experts who offer valuable insights and advice to help you navigate the process. By following these experts and taking their advice to heart, you can increase your chances of finding the right role for you. One key piece of advice from experts is to […]

THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS AND BUILD A STRONG CV

Writing a CV that effectively showcases your skills and experience is key to securing your next job. However, with so much competition in the job market, it can be difficult to know how to make your CV stand out from the crowd. One of the most important aspects of a strong CV is highlighting your […]

HOW TO SMASH INTERVIEW TASKS AND BAG THAT JOB

When it comes to job interviews, many candidates focus on impressing their potential employer with their skills and experience. However, a recent study has found that a different factor may actually be more important in determining who gets the job: the interview task. The study found that when candidates were given a task to complete […]

SALARY TRANSPARENCY: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The issue of salary transparency in job adverts has been a contentious topic in the UK. Many companies have traditionally kept salaries hidden from job postings, only revealing them during the interview process. However, there has been a growing push for greater transparency, with some companies opting to include salary information in their job adverts. […]

OVERCOME THESE MYTHS TO SMASH YOUR JOB SEARCH THE FIRST TIME

Looking for a new job can be a daunting process, and there are many myths and misconceptions that can make the job search even more challenging. Here are some common job search myths that you may have heard, and the truth behind them: Myth #1: You need to have all the qualifications listed in the […]

THIS IS WHY COMPANIES MUST INVEST IN STRONG WELLBEING SUPPORT

Investing in employee wellbeing is essential for any organization that wants to cultivate a healthy, productive, and engaged workforce. However, simply providing generic wellness programs or perks may not be enough to address the unique needs and challenges of each employee. Instead, employers must take a targeted and personalized approach to wellbeing support to truly […]

HOW TO BECOME CONFIDENT AND SMASH THOSE GOALS

It’s always a great time to focus on personal growth and development, including being confident and smashing goals in the workplace. Why confidence is important in the workplace. Having confidence in yourself and your ability to do your job well is so important for both your wellbeing and your productivity. We all go through phases […]

OVERCOME A CHALLENGE: HOW TO HACK YOUR WORKPLACE

Getting what you want at work can be a challenge, particularly if you are unsure of how to go about it. However, there are ways to achieve your goals without being disrespectful or damaging your relationships with colleagues. We’ve detailed some of these workplace challenges and solutions below.   How to get what you want […]

NEED A PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENCE BOOST? YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS ADVICE

A career coach has shared some tips on how to build confidence at work. According to the coach, confidence is key to success, and there are a number of ways to boost your self-assurance. Before we start, let’s answer the below questions: What confidence means? When referring to confidence, we’re talking about having self-belief or […]

OWN A PRACTICE? YOU NEED TO READ THIS ADVICE

Running an optometry practice can be challenging, especially during turbulent times such as the current economic climate. However, there are steps that practice owners can take to remain resilient and even thrive in the face of adversity.  One key strategy is to focus on building strong relationships with patients. This can involve implementing patient-centric policies, […]

HOW TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THE BEST FRAME FOR THEIR FACE

As an Optical Assistant working in a busy optician, one of the most common questions that you may receive from patients is “What glasses best suit my face?” It’s a great question and one that can be challenging to answer. But with the right approach and some basic knowledge, you can help your patients find […]

IF YOU’RE A PRACTICE MANAGER YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS ADVICE

What makes a good practice manager? The best practice manager is a crucial part of any successful optometry clinic. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, managing staff, and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care.  What makes a practice manager effective? If you want to know how to become practice manager, […]

WHAT DOES A PRACTICE MANAGER ACTUALLY DO AND HOW TO BECOME ONE

how to become a practice manager  Becoming a practice manager in the optometry field can be a challenging, but rewarding career move. It requires a unique set of skills that combine business acumen with healthcare knowledge.  One of the main responsibilities of a practice manager is to oversee the day-to-day operations of an optometry clinic. […]

YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CREATE A WELCOMING PRACTICE

As an optometrist, creating a welcoming environment for every patient is crucial to building trust and establishing long-term relationships. Here are some tips on how to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your practice to become the best optician:  By taking these simple steps, you can create a welcoming environment that puts patients at […]

THIS IS THE BEST ADVICE FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY WITH A FULL TIME JOB

For many audiologists, pursuing audiology postgraduate qualifications can be a valuable way to deepen their knowledge and skills in the field. However, for those who are working full-time, the idea of returning to school can seem daunting. One potential solution is to pursue postgraduate qualifications on a part-time basis. This can allow audiologists to continue […]

OPTOMETRISTS AND DISPENSING OPTICIANS: YOU NEED TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

When it comes to eye care, most people are familiar with the role of an optometrist. However, there is another important professional that plays a key role in ensuring your vision is at its best: the dispensing optician. While optometrists are responsible for carrying out eye exams and diagnosing any conditions or issues with your […]

FIRST SPOKE: NEW PROJECT LAUNCHES FOR OPTOMETRISTS

The College of Optometrists has launched the First Spoke project, aimed at supporting newly qualified optometrists as they transition from university to their first years in practice. The project will provide guidance and resources to help these practitioners develop their skills and build confidence in their abilities. Newly qualified optometrists often face a steep learning […]

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT QUALIFIED DISPENSING OPTICIANS

What is a dispensing optician? A dispensing optician is a highly trained professional who specializes in providing expert advice on eyewear and vision correction. They work closely with optometrists to ensure that patients receive the best possible care for their eyesight.  Dispensing opticians work in optical practices, where they play a key role in helping […]

THE CHALLENGE OF THE COST OF LIVING: ARE PEOPLE ACCESSING EYECARE?

Optegra, the UK’s largest private ophthalmic services provider, has warned that the rising cost of living is putting pressure on people’s ability to access essential eyecare. According to Optegra, many people are struggling to afford the cost of eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses, with some even delaying appointments or avoiding treatment altogether. The company’s […]

RESEARCH SHOWS NEW CAUSE OF DRY EYE SYNDROME

New research has suggested that individuals who engage in prolonged periods of sedentary behavior may be at greater risk of developing dry eye syndrome. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, involved analysing data from over 2,000 participants who had taken part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination […]

HOW BENEFITS ARE MAKING CHANGES IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

Job perks, also known as fringe benefits or employee benefits, are additional incentives that employers offer to their employees beyond the basic salary or wage. These benefits can include things like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible working hours, and more. The perks of a job are becoming increasingly important to the UK […]

A HIGH STREET CHAIN IS THE NEW SPONSER FOR POPULAR LUNCH TIME GAME SHOW

Specsavers, the well-known British optician chain, recently announced their sponsorship of the long-running Channel 4 game show “Countdown.” This sponsorship deal is significant for both Specsavers and “Countdown,” as it represents a high-profile collaboration between two established brands. “Countdown” has been a staple of British television since it first aired in 1982. The show, which […]

THIS IS WHY VALUABLE PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THEIR JOB

Millions of workers left their job over the last year. Edenred commissioned a poll of over 2,000 adults to discover why. What is the great resignation? There has been a recent trend in masses of workers resigning following the pandemic. The great resignation and quiet quitting trends that have been seen recently are forcing employers […]

THE CHALLENGE OF COST OF LIVING: HOW PEOPLE ARE COPING

The cost of living for 2023 in the UK has been a concern for many people, and it is having a significant impact on the country’s workforce with the cost of living vs the minimum wage. The high cost of housing, transportation, and other essentials has led to many workers struggling to make ends meet, […]

REASONS WHY OVER 60S ARE ENTERING THE COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET

In recent years, there has been a surge of over 60s applying for jobs in the UK. The trend of applying for jobs over 60 reflects a growing desire among older individuals to stay active, engaged, and financially secure in their later years. There are several factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. Firstly, people […]

THIS IS HOW GEN Z ARE NAVIGATING THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

Generation Z, or those born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, are beginning to enter the workforce. We’re beginning to see that Generation Z in the workplace is unlike previous generations, as they’re more concerned about the values and mission of the companies they work for than just the salary or benefits. What generation […]

SEVEN WAYS TO BE A COURAGEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL LEADER

Courage is an essential characteristic of a leader. A courageous leader is someone who is willing to take risks and make difficult decisions, even when they know the consequences could be severe. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is unpopular, and they inspire others to do […]

KILLER WAYS TO ANSWER THESE SIMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

What motivates you? What gets you up in the morning? What makes you uncomfortable? These are all simple interview questions that a company will ask you to establish if you would fit in. Even the best companies to work for have cultures that some might find difficult to work in so these questions are really […]

COMPANY-RELATED QUESTIONS

Why are you interested in working for us? Try to answer this question by thinking like an employer, not an employee. Think about interests that the company has, any goals you know they’re working towards or the values that they have Who are our competitors? This a basic research question. You should always know the […]

HOW TO WRITE A CV

What is a CV? A CV is a document used when applying for jobs. Through this, you can summarise your education, skills and experience which allows you to sell your abilities to potential employers. How long should a CV be? Generally, a CV should be no longer than two sides of A4. However, there are […]

HOW TO WRITE A RESIGNATION LETTER

It’s always tricky to know how to hand in your notice, even if you’ve moved jobs previously. When leaving a company, don’t burn bridges or leave under a cloud. Maintaining a positive relationship with previous employers could help you in the long run. In this post, we’ll cover how to leave while maintaining your positive […]

HOW TO HAND IN YOUR NOTICE

So, you’ve now got your letter written and you’re ready to hand it in. Handing in your letter of resignation will be different for everyone and whether you do it face-to-face or via email depends on your circumstances and relationship with your current manager. You might want to ask for a meeting to discuss handing […]

LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS AND HOW TO ANSWER THEM

What would your direct reports say about you? If you’ve line managed employees before, this is where you can give an example of what you did well. You could also include when you learned and improved based on their feedback to showcase your skills. What would your direct reports say about you? If you’ve line […]

BEHAVIOUR QUESTIONS AND HOW TO ANSWER THEM

Tell me about a time you made a mistake To answer this question, you need to think about a structured response. Focus on how you reacted and the effort you made to put things right. For a structed response, we recommend The STAR method: Situation: What was the general background? Task: What specific challenges or […]

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION WHEN TALKING ABOUT YOUR INTERESTS

When an interviewer asks you about your hobbies and interests, they’re looking to see if you’ll fit into their current team. Some companies do monthly team outings which could tie into your interests so it’s important to them that they have an understanding of your personality. Asking what are your hobbies and interests are usually […]

THINGS GRADUATES SHOULD KNOW TO HACK THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

Be picky Not all internships are the same and you need to make sure that the one you pick is the best for you. A good internship pays at least the national minimum wage, is advertised publicly and interviews candidates. You should have a designated manager, a variety of tasks and receive feedback. When your […]

YOU NEED TO KNOW THESE EASY TIPS FOR TALKING ABOUT STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

What are your strengths and weaknesses? It’s a question that’s commonly asked in interviews but often stumps people. While it’s got such a wide variety of potential answers, it’s very possible that you’ll feel your answer doesn’t compare. Googling ‘what is your greatest weakness answer samples’ isn’t going to help you on this one, you’re […]

THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER ASPIRATIONS AT AN INTERVIEW

Not everyone has a career plan. In fact, a lot of us are just figuring things out as we go along. However, employers will be interested in learning about your career aspirations in an interview so it’s important you think about this beforehand. Before going for a job interview, it’s a good idea to research […]

YOU NEED TO KNOW THESE USEFUL TIPS WHEN YOU ANSWER OPENING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interview questions that are asked to start of an interview are usually general interview questions that give the interviewer(s) an understanding of your circumstances both in and out of work. Opening interview questions are more surface level than the tell me about yourself questions that you’ll get asked to get an understanding of your background, […]

YOU NEED TO KNOW OUR ADVICE FOR ANSWERING EXPERIENCE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

When discussing your background and experience in an interview, you might be expecting attention to detail interview questions or competency based interview questions. You might be surprised to find that you can incorporate these questions into your answers to the questions we’re going to talk you through below. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking ‘How […]

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND HOW TO SMASH THEM

In this blog post we’ll go through some common interview questions and answers. These are asked at most interviews and the chances are that at least one of these will crop up in yours. They’re general interview questions which give interviewers a lot of information about you and your current circumstances. These classic interview questions […]

TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR JOB SEARCH

Finding a new job can be hard, especially if you have limited experience in the job market. However, there are some things that you can do to improve your chances of bagging that job! Below are our top tips to getting your new job: Get Networking Many people find their jobs from people they know […]

HOW TO BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Making the decision to look for a new job is both a daunting and exciting decision to make. Job hunting isn’t a smooth sailing process, there can be many unexpected twists and turns in the process of finding a new job but getting the job that you love is so worth it. It’s important to […]

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW IN 5 EASY STEPS

A lot of nerves and anxiety is not knowing what to expect. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Some common ways to prepare for an interview are: Interview questions You can research common interview questions (or read our blog post here) to find out what you might be asked during an […]

EASY WAYS TO RESEARCH EFFECTIVELY FOR AN INTERVIEW

The key to a successful interview is knowing your information. The last thing you want to do is have really good answers prepared and then fall down on not doing your research. Here are some ways that you can smash your interview research: Research the company Researching the company is really important for an interview. […]

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR MIND IN AN INTERVIEW AND HOW TO MAKE IT YOUR SUPER POWER

Interview nerves are the worst. Anyone who struggles with interview nerves will be able to tell you this. Sometimes these nerves can mean that we’re not performing at our best or stumbling over our words which doesn’t leave the best impression when first meeting a prospective employer. So many people feel pre-interview nerves and, unfortunately, […]

EASY WAYS TO FIND MOTIVATION WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW JOB

Rejection after rejection after rejection. Sometimes, hunting for your next job is just a lot of rejection which makes it hard to stay motivated and not just give up. Going into a job search, motivation is high and you’re ready to find your next opportunity but as time goes on, and rejections come through, you […]