Optical course opening opportunities for sixth form students

A pioneering optical care course is seeing ‘fantastic’ engagement and opening future career opportunities for sixth form students.

Ruth Mercy, assistant principal at Aston University Sixth Form, says that it is the first college in the UK to have students studying T Level optical care – and that participants are benefiting.

‘The two-year course, which is equivalent to an A Level, is designed for those students who want to pursue a career within the optical field,’ she says. ‘It provides valuable insights into different optical roles, provides placements in optometry practices, visits and guest seminars.’

Students will also complete a total of 45 industry placement days with local optometrists, having already spent a day at Aston University School of Optometry.

‘Students are enjoying the course and showing fantastic engagement, solidifying their interest in an optical career. It can be used as an entry route into optometry and dispensing optician careers,’ says Ms Mercy.

‘The willingness of the eye care sector, including Specsavers, to engage with us demonstrates the value of the course and enthusiasm for pre-degree learners to engage with the optical care field.’

Dena Wyatt, head of apprenticeships at Specsavers, says: ‘Specsavers’s mission is all about changing lives – and that includes the lives of young people. We believe that providing a range of career pathways, including qualifications such as T Levels, is an important part of this mission.

‘Specsavers will continue to support students undertaking their optical care services studies.’

She adds that Specsavers will also engage with T Level providers and the Department for Education (DfE) after officials announced plans to redevelop the T Levels in health and science.