Finding the best optical practice to work in is just like finding the perfect pair of frames - it has to be the right fit for you. You’ve polished your answers, ironed the shirt, and given yourself the pep talk in the mirror, so you’re set for the interview. Right? Not quite. Remember, the interview is not an interrogation, it should flow both ways. To stop you from joining the wrong practice, here are 10 questions to keep in mind, to find out if an optical assistant job is a

Thinking about swapping your NHS Band 5/6 audiology role for the private sector?

You may have been there: halfway through a busy Saturday clinic, staring at a borderline OCT scan, wondering if the future of optometry is slowly being handed over to an algorithm. Let’s be honest, the topic of AI can sometimes be a little unsettling to talk about: some paint it as a digital saviour, some say it might turn into a career killer. But at Talentshed, we’ve been looking past the robots are coming headlines, and reading up on the latest insights in the optical ind

If you’re an NHS audiologist, your skills are more transferable than you might think. This guide explains what private audiology really looks like, how your experience translates, and the practical steps to move with confidence — so you can decide what’s right for your career.

Your CLiP experience does more than tick a box. It builds the confidence, clinical judgement, and real-world insight that employers value — and helps you move faster toward the areas of optometry that interest you most.

Whether you're thinking about a career change or just keen to get your foot in the door, there are real routes into optics that don't require you to already know your way around a practice - from trainee roles to apprenticeships.

With growing eye care needs and fewer dispensing opticians entering the workforce, there's a clear shift. Explore what this means for your career, from pay to progression opportunities.

Join us as we explore 4 realistic ways dispensing opticians can upskill and progress their careers – from becoming a CLO to leadership or optometry – all while boosting pay and impact.