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 - ABDO College

New Optical Assistant Course

If you want a flexible way to train your support team, giving them a vital induction to the world of optics, you will want to know more about the new Optical Assistant course from ABDO College.

Suitable for people who have just started working in optics, as well as those who have been in practice for some time and want to formalise their knowledge, the new Optical Assistant course is a great way to learn.

The course combines practical tasks to develop practice-based skills with online modules and workshops, the perfect way to combine study with a full time job. Join the new Optical Assistant course and uncover just how much there is to working in eyecare. Students’ knowledge of frames, lenses contact lenses and practice roles will grow, allowing them to develop what they can offer patients with growing confidence and knowledge.

The course is open to all, and will run every September and January. Students have the guidance and support of an experienced personal tutor to aid their progress, every step of the way. The new workshops will cover repairs and pre-screening and take place at the National Resource Centre in Birmingham. These are included in the course but are optional for those who want to develop pre-screening and repair skills in practice instead.

ABDO College Head of Operational Services, Steve Hertz, says: “Optical education has changed dramatically in recent times with a new focus on more ‘on the job’ development. Having provided optical support training for the last few years and completed extensive industry research, we find that there is less demand for an examination based course at entry level. We are therefore delighted to offer the new Optical Assistant course with an emphasis on in practice tasks and practical workshops at its heart.”

The course has been developed in response to student and employer feedback. Rian Love is Optical Support Course Coordinator at ABDO College. He said: “We know that examinations can deter students from returning to study which is why this new course is evaluated by continuous assessment. There are no examinations and no examination fees.”

The course lasts 25 weeks and costs £795.

Applications open mid April 2019 and the deadline is 30 August 2019 for a September start.