Press release: Sponsors boost for Careers in Eyecare

Careers in Eyecare, the cross sector initiative to highlight the range of careers in eye care and eye wear, has received a boost as two significant companies come on board as sponsors.

The award-winning campaign, which was launched by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) in 2020, is now sponsored by Specsavers and Stepper (UK) Limited.

Nick Walsh of ABDO says, “Careers in Eyecare was born from a desire to do more to raise awareness of all of the great career opportunities available in our sector. Ensuring that we have a future pipeline of new talent will keep the sector buoyant and fresh. Support from these great forward-thinking sponsors helps us to increase the range of help and resources that we can offer to students, teachers and careers advisers. We look forward to working with them and any other companies who would like to become sponsors too.”

Lucy Knock Early Careers Manager says “Specsavers is delighted to work with ABDO on the Careers in Eyecare Campaign, which we hope will inspire more young people to become opticians. We’re keen on sharing the hidden secrets of the fantastic opportunities we have in our industry and in particular our role as STEM employers – for people who love science and technology, but also want to work in a caring environment. We look forward to sharing all the amazing ways we change people’s lives with a career in eyecare.”

Peter Reeve, Managing Director Stepper (UK) limited says, “Delivering comfort and fit that delights spectacle wearers requires good product and the best dispensing skills, so encouraging professionalism in eyecare early in a career delivers the best possible outcomes for all. Stepper is supporting Careers in Eyecare so we can work together with parents, schools and careers advisers to let more young people know about the amazing range of roles available in design and manufacture of eyewear, with career routes available for those who like engineering, craft and design as well as those who are interested in science, technology and healthcare.”

Find out more about the campaign here. You can also find the campaign on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Careers in Eyecare campaign is looking for further support and will be reaching out to companies and industry bodies in coming months. If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved, email Nick Walsh, nwalsh@abdo.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Media enquiries to Antonia Chitty achitty@abdo.org.uk
2. The Careers in Eyecare campaign promotes careers across the sector, highlighting the range of clinical, fashion, design, technical and retail roles available. It maximises the use of social media to reach out to young people, parents and careers advisers, and those looking to change career.
3. ABDO represents over 6000 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK
4. Careers in Eyecare won the ‘Best Newcomer’  2020 award from Youth Employment UK (YEUK).
5. Specsavers is a group of more than 2000 businesses that are locally owned and run by opticians, optometrists and audiologists.  Our vision is to change lives through better sight and hearing is ambitious to say the least. Join us to help make a positive difference to people’s lives, together.
6. Since 1970 STEPPER EYEWEAR has been a pioneer utilising innovation and technology; embracing new materials and processes to create exciting and durable eyewear that fits with outstanding comfort.