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: 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 industry.

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.

The College of Optometrists’ 2025–2030 strategic plan is more than a vision – it’s a signal of where optometry is heading. From becoming the first point of care, to the role of AI, leadership opportunities, and fairer access to eye care, here’s what the plan could really mean for your day-to-day work and your future career.

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.

From early days on the shop floor to a new role in management, Graeme’s journey into optics has been shaped by persistence, purpose, and the right support when it mattered most.

CLiP is transforming how optometrists qualify. Learn what it means for current professionals, employers, and students - and why this shift is happening now.

With nearly 18,000 optometrists, why is it still so hard to hire? We explore the answer to this question and how this is shedding light on a bigger trend within the industry.