College of Optometrists

24 April 2012 Return to news listings

Next steps in the Careers in Optics cross-sector bid to boost the number of good quality students applying for optical careers

The award-winning initiative is making good progress in spreading the word to young people across the UK about what a career in optics involves. The project now needs more ambassadors to deliver interactive workshops in their local schools.

The next ambassador training event will take place in Cardiff on 17 May, 6.30pm – 8.30pm and anyone interested in booking a place should contact ambassadors@newdimensionsinoptics.org

Volunteer opticians and optometrists facilitate workshops in secondary schools which can help build links in their local community. Every single student who attended pilot workshops could recall which organisation their ambassador represented. 100% of students who attended called them ‘fun and engaging’; 55% would recommend optics as a career, and 77% said they learned more about the importance of eye health.

There has been a great deal of work behind the scenes to manage the complex administration processes for this country-wide project. Professor David Thomson, chair of the working group, said: “After a period of setting up processes, I am delighted that more tool kits are being distributed across the UK and ambassadors are running workshops in their local schools.

“As the initiative goes from strength to strength, I am also pleased to announce two new sponsors: Johnson&Johnson and ACLM have joined the other partners from right across the sector. We are now looking at new ways to promote careers in optics and hope more ambassadors come forward to join us.”

For more information about the Careers in Optics cross-sector initiative, visit www.newdimensioninoptics.org