New online platform to support independent optical businesses to be launched at 100% Optical

Into Optics, a new and innovative digital platform designed to support independent optical businesses with pipeline talent management, is due to launch at 100% Optical.

The members’ subscription programme brings together industry experience, tools and insight into the unique recruitment challenges faced in the local optical industry to offer an affordable solution to connect businesses with their future workforce.

 

Created by industry expert, Gemma Drake, the platform brings together many years of experience in education and optical industries to address the shortage of young professionals training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

 

“I began my career touring schools across the UK, inspiring young people to explore a variety of career paths. From here, I began working with employers to help bridge the gap between businesses and education establishments, developing a strong understanding of how to engage with the next generation of talent. I began specialising in optometry and eyecare in 2010, going on to work with a leading national chain of opticians and The College of Optometrists.”

 

“It is well known the UK is facing a shortage of skilled professionals in STEM. According to a 2023 report by the General Optical Council, there is a notable difficulty in recruiting qualified optical professionals, with nearly 70% of optometrist vacancies remaining unfilled for over 60 days. This issue has been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19 and Brexit​​. The report highlighted this is felt more severely in rural areas where the availability of qualified optometrists is even lower.”

 

“Naturally, this poses a threat for this valuable profession. In response, national optical businesses continue to invest in fantastic opportunities for future optometrists and benefit from existing connections with universities, schools and colleges. However, I recognised that many independent opticians, particularly those located in rural or coastal areas, were being left behind, so I set out to level the playing field. Independent practices are incredibly well placed to offer students a unique training experience and our aim is to inspire local young people to consider a fulfilling career with them.”

 

Dave Cleworth, Director of Operations and Marketing of Barracloughs The Opticians, a group of local optical stores across Sussex, shares his feedback on his experience of Into Optics:

 

"We've loved working with Gemma and the Into Optics team. Their programme is invaluable for future optometrists and independent practices like ours. The feedback from students has been fantastic, and we look forward to building on this. Recruiting optometrists is a challenge in East Sussex and many parts of the UK, but we hope that by partnering with Into Optics, we can help raise the profile of independent practices and attract more students to the field." 

 

Students who connected with Into Optics during their pilots also commented:

 

“It was great to hear about optics and the benefits of working in an independent practice. The session has persuaded me to consider optometry.”  

 

“The workshop provided valuable insights into the field of optics and has solidified my ambition to pursue a career in optometry.”

 

“I’d started my application for dentistry but having taken part in this session and hearing about the local opportunities available, I'm planning on switching to optometry"

 

Gemma adds, “We also plan to explore audiology in the near future - which is often an integral offering within a smaller optical business - so we can truly support all aspects of their recruitment.”

 

Into Optics are due to exhibit at 100% Optical in 2025.