Comment: Opportunities for unsung heroes

There was a feelgood factor about this year's presentation ceremony at the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, with large numbers of optical technicians and practice support staff receiving their certificates at Apothecaries' Hall.

As the master, a dispensing optician with a group of practices explained in his address, the focus on training is very much in keeping with the government's continuing emphasis on career opportunity and career ladders. It was also important to have a skilled workforce to survive in the global economy.

On a more practical note, having a well-trained technician to keep practitioners, not to mention non-qualified practice staff, abreast of what lenses will and will not work is vital. The same can be said about having a qualified optical receptionist in a patient-facing role who can flag up problems before they get out of hand.