See details of the next meeting here.

Your to do list:

• Set up a Canva account - guide here

• Set up a Mailchimp account - guide here

• Set up Microsoft Forms - guide here

• Access our Facebook group - guide here.

• View our process outline here

Decide what support you plan to offer throughout the academic year

Your to do list:

• Explore our recommendations here
  Template document here

• Complete template plan here (slides to drop in student presentation)

Recommended viewing: 

• Intro to early careers in optics

• Background

• Understanding your target audiences

Establish target schools / education partners - you can search your local schools here

Call the school / partner to establish the correct contact details. 
In a school setting, this is is likely to be: Head of Sixth Form, Head of Science or Head of Careers.

Your to do list:

Call school to gather contact details
Access the school email template here and amend with your details.

There’s also a PDF version here that you can copy and edit in order to send directly from your business email.

If you are invited to introduce the programme and your offer to education leaders and partners, you can find a template presentation here.

Share details of the lesson plan with teachers  ahead of time - detailing how it links to the curriculum so that they know what to expect. You can find this here.

Once confirmed, please send details of your chosen partner schools to support@intooptics.com. You may also want to share details of planned events so we can help  promote these across our social media channels.

Your to do list:

• View resource overview here
  View workshop delivery and run through - part one and part two

• View the presentation slides and update with your logo / contact details - you can access them below

  Into Optics® introduction to optometry and dispensing

• Edit your questionnaire to include your own contact details and information  - you can access the student survey template here.  Be sure to add a link to your own privacy policy (usually found on your website) and add the survey QR code to the presentation slides - see microsoft guide here

• Download the patient profiles for the frame styling challenge here (used when discussing the role of a dispensing optician) and print

• Prepare any additional kit you may wish to bring - a list of recommendations can be found here

• Be sure to prepare well ahead of time. If you wish to provide leaflets or print posters and roller banners, don’t forget to add your logos and contact details to the templates. See templates below: 

• Posters, Roller Banners, Student leaflet, Parent leaflet

  
  You can find our print guidelines here . You can use your own suppliers or use an online provider.

Your to do list:

• Make sure you’re fully prepared for your workshop - see checklist here

• Review feedback from survey results 

• Add the survey data to your student cohort tracker so you can identify students as they move through the process - see template here

• Review number of students interested in attending a follow-up event 

• Follow up with school to confirm session, including option of inviting parents and teachers

Your to do list:

Review suggestions for follow-up activities here

Your to do list:

• Liaise with selected students and confirm dates

• Update the school to confirm details 

• Download and share work experience guide - see here

Following a successful work experience placement, consider the following options as next steps (ensure this is aligned with your outreach plan and the original offer made to students in the introduction stages).

Student has decided to apply to university to study Optometry:

1. Offer part-time work opportunities if available. If you’ve not employed students before, you can take a look at our guide here.

2. If part-time roles aren’t an option, consider providing students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge as they complete their studies and prepare for university life. Into Optics offers specific support at this vital ‘keep warm’ stage - details can be found here.

   If you’d like to discuss these options for your practice, contact us

3. Once your student has a university place agreed, consider offering a sponsorship package.  This can be tailored specifically for your practice - view our sponsorship guide here. Once confirmed, ensure details are agreed in writing with the student - see example contract template here. Ensure you’ve communicated this offer to their school and chosen university. 

When offering a sponsorship with the view to support students with their Clinical Learning in Practice placement (previously Pre-reg) in Y4, it’s important that you familiarise yourself with the College of Optometrists’ processes and guidelines, which can be found here.

Student is interested in pursuing optics but isn’t yet fully committed to studying at university.

Discuss any alternative routes available, to include part-time work opportunities if available.

Ensure that you’ve familiarised yourself with the processes and timelines for the CLiP placement. You can access this information and download the employer handbook on the CofO website here .

Having provided students with such a valuable experience so far, it’s important to offer a great onboarding experience as they start their journey with your business - see guide here.

As they join your business as your newly qualified optometrist, ensure they continue to have the opportunity to develop and grow. We’ve compiled a list of retention tips here.

Things to remember 

At the end of each Y12 cycle, agree outreach plans with your partner school for the following academic year. It’s also important to track students’ progress and consider sharing success stories and case studies on social media. You can also promote your work with schools in the local press - find templates here:

Press release template

Social media templates

This will ensure your outreach process becomes simplified, with students and schools keen to work with you year on year as you become known as a local employer of choice. 

If you need additional support on your journey, we’re here to help. Contact our team at support@intooptics.com to discuss your requirements.