Specsavers creates BTEC for optical assistants

Specsavers has developed an accredited BTEC qualification for optical assistants that can be tailored to align with their roles and responsibilities in practice.

Created in partnership with learning company Pearson, the Level 3 certificate included units from existing courses for optometric clinical assistants and dispensing assistants plus additional units.

Kirsteen Newman, Specsavers senior manager for dispensing and accredited training, said: ‘Our optical assistants provide an invaluable service in our practices, supporting customers, optometrists and colleagues, and this qualification will help them as their roles evolve as we serve our patients.’

The four key areas of the course are dispensing, clinical technician, contact lens assistant or lab technician and then included units on communication, principles of light and refractive errors.