Course offers optical assistants formal qualification

A new modern apprenticeship has been developed for Scottish optical assistants. The qualification will offer new and existing staff at opticians across Scotland an opportunity to develop their skills in areas such as optical records and products, and candidates will complete an e-portfolio of practical assignments to achieve the qualification over a 12-18 month period.

The Certificate in Optical Practice Support has been developed in partnership by Optometry Scotland, Skills for Health and Justice, Skills Development Scotland, as well as Specsavers, Optical Express, Asda, Black and Lizars.

Chair of Optometry Scotland, David Quigley commented: ‘We are delighted to see the creation of a formal qualification which offers optical staff additional training support. The course is designed to fit around working full time and incorporates practical on-the-job training.’