A Step in the right direction with J&J

Life as a student optometrist can be difficult. The pressures of qualifying can be compounded by concerns of being a newly qualified optometrist alone in practice for the first time and deciding on the direction of a future career path.

Recognising pre- and post-qualified students, would benefit from additional support, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) launched its Success Through Education Programme (Step) in January 2015 at its The Vision Care Institute (TVCI). The scheme supports students in their penultimate undergraduate year through to their pre-registration period and then as newly qualified practitioners.

The emphasis is placed on reinforcing skills and knowledge, as well as competence in the area of contact lens practice, the need for which the company says has been highlighted through external optical organisations. The content of each Step course adapts as the students move through the different stages of qualification. In essence, Step has significantly revised some of J&J’s existing popular courses; in combination with the introduction of several digital touch points into one three- to four-year overarching educational programme.