Welcome to our new column where we will be interviewing our very own staff about what they do in our practice. Today we have Abby who is our Optical Advisor Apprentice. Abby started with us in June 2023 and has made strong strides in her optical knowledge.
MR: So Abby, do tell the audience what your role is in our practice?
AL: I am an Optical Advisor studying an apprentriceship also called Optical Advisor. My day to day activities include setting up the clinic for our optometrist ensuring all details are correct, prescription cards are ready and welcoming every patient that enters the practice. I also dispense our patient’s a variety of spectacles from single vision, bifocals and varifocals as well as interesting and funky frames. To add to that, I adjust patient’s frames on collection and check to make sure their vision has improved.
MR: As we’ve gathered you’re currently studying an apprenticeship, what do you enjoy most about it then?
AL: There’s so much more in-depth learning about the lenses and how they make an impact on people’s lives. Thankfully, we have a lab on site, so I tend to better my learning and follow the lens journey through the manufacturing process. It’s fascinating to watch the surfacing and glazing part, and then making sure the glasses are checked off to the best quality. The course itself is very interesting, it’s broken down every week into sections and topics in which we get assignments and tasks to complete. Recently, I’ve been studying ocular anatomy which is so engaging and fascinating. I’ve learnt so much that I never even knew existed, and going forwards this will further my knowledge and help our patient’s understand their eye health.
MR: So what made you want to do the apprenticeship in the first place?
AL: When I saw the job advertisement, I knew straight away this was for me. The course itself sounded really interesting and mentally stimulating. I wanted to push myself and get myself into a career because successfully completing this course would one, give me a qualification in the optical industry and two, enable me to further my education and potentially give me the opportunity to go to university. It also gives me the chance to work my way up the ladder, whether that means I end up learning about management of an opticians or focus purely on the clinical side of my career.
MR: And finally, tell us a little bit about yourself, any hobbies in your spare time?
AL: I love going to the gym and staying active. But I have to admit, I’m a bit of a foodie as well. If anyone says Italian food or even lasagne, I’m there! And just like yourself, I have a keen interest in motorsports and cars.
MR: Well you just can’t beat Italian food! Thank you for telling everyone about your apprenticeship.
AL: Thank you for inviting me to the column!
Tune in again when we interview another member of staff to give you an insight of the world of optics.
Hawley Optical – Vision Redefined