In the past few weeks record numbers of student dispensing opticians have sat their first final year examinations. Now is a well-earned time for students, tutors and examiners to relax before study recommences in September, along with the exciting prospect of qualification and graduation at Canterbury Cathedral on November 22.
Summer offers a time to reflect and consider the changing needs of our patients. The services we provide need to expand and be of an unprecedented high standard.
Training and up-skilling are essential. But how well are optical assistants trained? They are the face of our practices, but unfortunately they are so often overlooked when it comes to adequate training.
ABDO College and WCSM have some great courses ranging from level 2 optical support to the new level 4 diploma for optical assistants. Why would we not train our support staff? They could also be our next generation of dispensing opticians.
Step down care is moving forward at a rapid pace, we must embrace and engage with Mecs, pre/post-cataract management etc or face the prospect of turning existing and new patients away from our doors – and risk financial suicide. If you are not already accredited now is the time to start before it is too late.
Low vision services within the community must be next on the agenda, are we ready to deliver?
Dispensing opticians and optometrists also have many advanced qualifications to consider, summer is the time to reflect on our career and decide: What’s next for me? Standing still should not be an option.
Finally let us not forget we need CET covering all our core competences and the ABDO autumn CET programme is now available for dispensing opticians and optometrists.