What does Into Optics do?

Into Optics is a simple, proven way for independent optical practices to build their own local talent pipeline. It helps reduce reliance on locums, cut recruitment costs, and gives you more control over your future workforce.

We partner with UK-based independent and regional employers to connect them directly with high-achieving A-level students who are exploring careers in healthcare, just as they’re considering their next steps.

Through our online platform and tailored support packages, we provide all the insight, tools, and resources you need to showcase the vibrant opportunities within independent optics. Our supported process is designed to guide talented students from the classroom into your practice, helping you nurture the next generation of clinicians in a way that feels seamless and sustainable.

Whether you go self-led or opt for full delivery support, the programme is flexible, low-effort, and built to fit around your business.

Into Optics also helps raise your profile in the local community, improve clinician retention, and build trusted relationships with schools. It gives you a long-term workforce strategy that works

How does it work?

Into Optics gives you a ready-made, step-by-step process to attract and engage talented local students, all delivered through a user-friendly online platform.

The programme follows a clear structure, aligned with the academic year, guiding students from initial outreach through to work experience, onboarding, and long-term retention. The full process includes everything from school engagement and event planning to student onboarding, keep warm activity, and cohort management.

You'll get access to editable, ready-to-use materials including outreach templates, school workshop guides, work experience planning tools, and promotional assets. If you prefer, we can deliver all or part of the programme for you.

Alongside the platform, you’ll benefit from weekly check-ins, expert advice, and access to our online support group, so you’re never on your own.

Whether you run it independently or ask us to take the lead, we make it easy to get started and even easier to keep going.

What’s included with membership??

All members get access to our online platform, which includes:

• A complete School-to-Store guide

• Outreach and workshop materials

• Quick-start video modules

• Editable brand templates

• Weekly support

• Live Q&A sessions

• A community forum for business owners

Membership pricing is based on the number of permanent employees, with unlimited access for your whole team.

Is support available if we’re short on time or staff?

Yes. While standard membership is self-directed, many practices choose a support package, especially at the beginning.
You can choose:

• A support bundle where we run the programme for you

• Flexible, on-demand delivery support, as and when you need it
  Most practices find that after their first session, they feel confident continuing on their own.

How long does it take to set up?

We can have everything up and running in a matter of weeks. The platform, materials, and support are designed to be seamless and low effort from day one.

Access to schools is shaped by the academic calendar, so while your setup can happen quickly, the timing of outreach and student engagement will follow key points in the school year. We’ll guide you on the best times to connect and help you plan around term dates to get the best results.

What kind of students do you work with??

We specifically target high-achieving A-level students who are often considering careers in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. We help them discover what a career in optics can offer, and your practice becomes the gateway into the profession.

Often, these students are unaware of the opportunities within optics. Many students, teachers, and parents still view it as predominantly a retail role. By repositioning optics as a high-attaining STEM career pathway, we’re able to challenge those assumptions and get in front of the right students as quickly as possible.

While the programme is primarily shaped to tackle the shortage of local optometrists, it also supports the full range of dispensing pathways. That includes roles such as optical assistants, trainee dispensing opticians, and those progressing toward qualified DO status.

Many students are drawn to the hands-on, people-focused nature of dispensing, and we provide everything you need to highlight these opportunities and support them into the route that suits them, whether through apprenticeships, in-practice learning, or formal training.

Do I have to hire a student straight away?

No. There's no pressure to hire. The ideal ‘keep warm’ solution is offering a part-time role while the student studies, but where that’s not possible, we offer plenty of alternative ways to keep them engaged and committed to your business throughout the journey. The aim is to build awareness and create a relationship first — so when the time comes, you already know and trust each other.
The immediate benefits include building strong connections with the right students and schools, raising your local profile, and gaining confidence in the future of your business.

What’s the long-term benefit for my business??

Into Optics helps you build a future-ready team from your local community, reducing recruitment stress and strengthening continuity of care. It gives you a proactive, long-term workforce strategy that replaces costly, short-term fixes.

By engaging early with potential team members, you can future-proof your business, improve profitability, and significantly boost retention — all while raising your profile as a trusted, local employer of choice.

It’s a smart way to stand out as a values-led, community-focused practice, and build lasting connections with both patients and future professionals.

How do I get started?

Email info@intooptics.com or complete the form on the employers page. We’ll walk you through the options and get you set up at a pace that suits your team.