Optician news in brief

New data from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has revealed that online vacancies for Health Optical Retail apprenticeships have grown by 590 per cent year-on-year. The apprenticeship includes roles such as optical assistants, dispensing assistants, contact lens assistants and receptionists. The NAS added that online apprenticeship applications have increased by 32 per cent year-on-year, with over 1.4m applications made for vacancies in the past 12 months.

Researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have discovered a new compound that could potentially treat migraines by blocking melanopsin light sensors in the eyes, according to a study published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. The latest research found that the receptor played a role in maintaining sleep cycles and other sensitivity functions in those with healthy vision. It was also found to be responsible for constricting the pupil within the eye when it is exposed to bright light, triggering the light-sensitivity that is linked to migraines.