Simon Jones: May we be of assistants?

As you’ll quickly find out, this issue is dedicated to the vital cogs of practice teams that make places tick. Optical assistants, receptionists, lab technicians and frame stylists, namely anyone who does their job without having to complete a CPD cycle every three years. 

As guest columnist Francesca Blackmore points out, there has been a long-standing air of elitism within the optical profession towards those members of staff in practices without General Optical Council registration, but time is slowly confining those outdated attitudes to the past. 

Modern day practices are multi-disciplinary teams, and each member has a crucial role to play and there’s a greater appreciation for what everyone does.