Three team members at Specsavers in Irvine have recently become some of the first optical assistants across Scotland to begin a new, innovation qualification in optometry.

Chloe Sharp, Nicola Longmuir and Brooke Anderson at the Rivergate Centre store all began their certificates in Optical Practice Support at SCQF level 5, a qualification designed to develop their skills in a wide range of areas including maintaining optical records and providing a professional optical service in store.

The apprenticeship course is designed to fit around working full time and incorporates practical on-the-job training, ideal for new optical assistants hoping to begin their careers in optometry.

Gillian Syme, store director at Specsavers in Irvine, says: ‘I’m incredibly proud of Nicola, Chloe and Brooke for becoming some of the very first optical assistants in Scotland to take part in this new qualification.

“Everyone has been supportive of them throughout their training so far and we will continue to aid them throughout”