The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers spent two years devising its latest course and qualification for senior optical assistants. It believes the result is a vital opportunity for those who want to further develop their career
The Level 3 course and qualification in Optical Practice Support (OPS) was developed by a small team within the SMC. They examined how it could build on the success of the Level 2 OPS course and certificate and the Level 2 National Occupational Standards. A draft syllabus was drawn up and then reviewed by the Awards Committee and the Training Committee of the SMC, senior figures within optics and finally the WCSM Court.
Once the syllabus was agreed, the qualification was submitted to the regulatory authorities (QCA in England, DELLS in Wales and CEA in Northern Ireland) for approval. 
Following accreditation, examiners were appointed to finalise the examination style and content, the distance-learning course material written in easy-to-manage sections, and tutors appointed. The result of all this work is the only nationally-approved qualification at Level 3 for optical assistants.
Gordon Jones, the SMC’s Awards Committee chairman, said: ‘We needed to provide that extra step for people’s careers. It was a need that had been clearly identified and it was a need the SMC wanted to meet.
‘Taking the course will show a person’s commitment to their career development. And, if they choose to take the examination and attain the Level 3 Certificate in Optical Practice Support, then it is a clear indication that they have achieved a higher level of knowledge and expertise.
‘Achieving Level 3 is a clear demonstration of what extra skills can be offered to a practice, to employers and, of course, to patients.
‘But as well as being a chance for people to build on their existing abilities, it is also another step forward for those wanting to become a dispensing optician or an optometrist.’
The new course also has the backing of the Association of Optometrists, ABDO and FODO.
Sir Anthony Garrett, general secretary of ABDO, said: ‘ABDO warmly welcomes this initiative by the SMC. Clearly anything that can be done to improve the quality of education and service throughout the sector is to be applauded.
‘The SMC has a long and enviable record of support and education in the optical sector. I am sure that standards will benefit from this latest initiative.’
The SMC believes that the Level 3 syllabus covers most aspects of work associated with the roles of both senior optical assistant and practice supervisor. People can choose to take only the distance-learning course if they do not want to sit the exam. Alternatively, they may do both the course and examination to attain the certificate or go straight in and just sit the examination, if they feel they are already sufficiently experienced and prepared.
The courses start in September 2006 and February 2007, with the examination day held the following June and December. Once someone has enrolled they are allocated a tutor, who will send out course materials that can be worked through at the student’s own pace.
Syllabus breakdown
The syllabus is broken down into four distinct modules:
- Managing people in optical practice
- General optics and optical screening
- Spectacle lenses, frames and fitting
- Principles of contact lenses.
The ‘managing people’ module involves an understanding of the skills required for good communications, the principles of being a good supervisor and the importance of developing an individual’s performance. It also examines the best ways of achieving good customer service, the skills required for effective selling and provides an awareness of a practice’s obligations under health and safety legislation.
The ‘general optics’ module aims to help students understand the key terms used in optics and the interpretation of common optical prescriptions. Optical screening is covered by examining the principles of non-contact tonometry, auto-refraction and field screening. Thickness and appearance of spectacle lenses, as well as the manufacturing process for multi-coated lenses, the density of materials, trifocals and progressives and low vision appliances are all examined in the third part of the course. It aims to help students understand the principles and designs of the wide range of lenses used in spectacle prescriptions.
In the ‘frames and fitting’ part section, students are taught how to understand the principles, designs, fitting and limitations of spectacle frames and the importance of good fitting and good care of spectacles. Modern materials and their manufacture, allergies to materials, rules for dispensing in the NHS, guidance for patients on the care and handling of spectacles and the limitation of frames, coupled with prescription, are all covered.
The ‘principles of contact lenses’ module aims to help students understand the key types, designs and wearing modalities of contact lenses. It will cover the more complex designs of torics and multifocals and the legal framework that regulates contact lenses and solutions. The course looks to help students effectively manage customers who have not complied with contact lens care regimes.
The examination will be made up of four papers, one for each of the four modules, with a mixture of short-answer, multiple choice and essay questions. Examinations will be held on the same day at venues across the UK.
As well as the Level 3 OPS, the SMC continues to run:
- Level 2 Certificate and Correspondence Course in Optical Practice Support for optical assistants
- Level 2 Certificate and Correspondence Course in Optical Production Processes for optical technicians
- Level 3 Certificate for Optical Technicians (SMC Tech).
More information about the new Level 3 OPS and all other SMC courses is available by emailing administrator@spectaclemakers.com or by phoning 020 7236 2932.