Education
500th clinical technician at Specsavers
500th clinical technician at Specsavers
A SPECSAVERS scheme upskilling optical assistants to further support optometrists is celebrating its 500th graduate.
Isabel Nibbs, who works at Specsavers Crowborough, is now a Specsavers Clinical Technician after completing the 16-week training programme.
The scheme gives participants the skills to perform diagnostic information gathering and pre-assessment procedures when working under the supervision of an optometrist – in line with General Optical Council delegation requirements. In turn, it supports optometrists to provide better care to patients.
‘The clinician technician training has enabled me to become more confident with patients and have a deeper understanding of how to complete pre-screening efficiently,’ says Isabel who started the programme after completing her apprenticeship at Specsavers.
‘I undertook the clinical technician course after completing my apprenticeship and I feel it has been a great step in my development. It has helped me upskill so I can support the optometrist in making sure the clinic is running smoothly.’
To mark her success, she received a message of congratulations from Specsavers co-founder Doug Perkins who hailed her work in helping deliver incredible patient care for the town of Crowborough in East Sussex.
‘I want to thank you for taking the time and making the effort to complete your training. The clinical technician role is such an important role now and for the future. Well done,’ he said in a specially recorded video message.
Specsavers Crowborough optometry director Dimple Mehta says that there have been multiple benefits for colleagues who have completed the clinical technician course as well as for optometrists and patients. There have been several colleagues who have completed the training at the practice.
‘It has given us someone who is skilled and confident in communications with patients and we have had some great customer feedback. It has also been reflected in a smoother customer journey, which has allowed our clinics to run more efficiently,’ he says.
Practice retail partner Badrinath Mohandas adds: ‘Our clinical technicians really enjoyed the anatomy and the various aspects of learning about the diagnostic equipment. It’s given them more self-confidence in responding to the questions they get from customers and patients on a day-to-day basis.’
Isabel also received a voucher and chocolates from Niraj Sudera, one of Specsavers clinical performance consultants who support clinicians and their teams to deliver outstanding patient care across the UK and Northern Ireland.
‘Many congratulations to Isabel for all her hard work and commitment in becoming a clinical technician. As Doug Perkins said in his video to her, this is a vital role that is positively supporting optometrists in our community practices and helping change the lives of our patients,’ adds Niraj.
