A Day in the Life of a Trainee Dispensing Optician at Opticare

Welcome to the latest article of our “Behind the Scenes at Opticare” series, where we bring you closer to the dedicated individuals who make your eye care experience exceptional. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Rachel Birch, our Trainee Dispensing Optician. Rachel plays an essential role in ensuring you receive high-quality eyewear and care. Read on to learn more about her typical day, responsibilities, and journey in the world of optometry.

Q: In a sentence, what is it that you do?

I help patients find the perfect pair of spectacles, and quality check spectacles in the lab, all while studying to become a fully-fledged Dispensing Optician.

Q: Describe a typical day at work

My typical day starts with booking appointments and giving our patients a warm welcome as they step into the practice. I get to dispense spectacles, make adjustments for returning patients, and even handle repairs. In our lab, I put together and meticulously check spectacles for quality. I’m also involved in updating our diabetic screening clinics. While the practice officially opens at 9:00am, I usually get in around 8:40-8:45am to help set the stage for the day. We wrap up at 5:00 pm, but my commitment to learning doesn’t stop there—I often continue working on my assignments once I’m back home.

Q: What are you responsible for?

My primary responsibility is ensuring that our patients receive top-notch care and high-quality eyewear from our practice. I’m also dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and enhancing the services we offer.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the close-knit bond among the staff and our commitment to providing the best outcomes for our patients. I also enjoy helping patients, and seeing how well they get on with new spectacles that I have dispensed.

Q: How did you end up in this job?

I started working on a Saturday helping with admin and organisation, then venturing into a more patient-facing role. When I was studying my A Levels, I was offered the opportunity to pursue the dispensing optics diploma, which felt like the perfect next step for me. After completing my A-Levels, I began working full-time while also studying for my dispensing optics diploma.

Q: What qualifications do you have?

Currently, I am working towards becoming a qualified dispensing optician (FBDO). I’ve also completed the Hoya MiyoSmart Accreditation, where I got to learn about the technology which aims at slowing down the progression of myopia in children.

Q: How do you prioritise your work and manage your time?

To manage my workload effectively, I make sure I understand the main tasks at hand and my role in ensuring they run smoothly. Teamwork is vital, and we all support each other in case of any urgent situations.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?

One of my ongoing challenges is my commitment to self-improvement. I’m constantly striving to learn from others and my previous experiences, aiming to better myself and gain a deep understanding of all aspects of my dispensing course.

 

 

Rachel’s dedication to her role as a Trainee Dispensing Optician shines through her commitment to patient care and her pursuit of knowledge. We hope you enjoyed this insider’s look into Rachel’s day and journey in the world of optometry. Stay tuned for more “Behind the Scenes” features on our remarkable Opticare team!