Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Kate Long

Kate Long

North Yorkshire

Summary

Adaptable Dispensing Optician with extensive experience providing first-class results. Meets job demands and deadlines through diligent work-ethic and dedication to quality. Motivated company director with 25 years of progressive leadership experience. Energetic self-starter and team builder. Navigates high-stress situations and achieves goals on time and cost effectivlyey.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Eye care in Special Needs Schools

NHS
York, Yorkshire
04.2021 - Current
  • Inspired by an article in a professional journal to advocate for eye care in special needs settings due to significant numbers of children and young people unable to access services.
  • Deliver eyecare services to two special needs schools within locality
  • Collaborate with ABDO board members and local Integrated Care Board regarding advancements in government pilot scheme for Optical Professionals delivering eyecare in Special Schools Educational Settings.
  • Established robust, trusting relationships with pupils through consistent support and exceptional care delivery.
  • Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
  • Met schedule using excellent planning and coordination skills.
  • Prepared range of written communications, documents and reports.

Company Director, Dispensing Optician

The Vale Opticians
York, Yorkshire
12.2010 - Current
  • Operate private practice alongside Optometrist husband for fifteen years.
  • Selfemployed.
  • Primary role encompasses patient-facing interactions, addressing diverse needs of the general public seeking assistance for themselves or dependent family members.
  • Cultivate expertise in business skills, patient and employee safety, data protection, marketing, human resources, employment law, financial planning and facilitating professional training, while managing practice independently.
  • Committed to mentoring two students during studies for their professional qualifications.
  • Registered member of General Optical Council (G.O.C).
  • Member of Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).
  • Complete Continued Professional Development (CPD) through accredited providers of The General Optical Council on a three yearly cycle.
    Participated in and conducted peer reviews to enhance professional expertise.
  • Restore and customise glasses frames, delivering tailored service to satisfy unique client requirements.
  • Guide customers in choosing frames and contact lenses tailored to face shape and optical requirements.
  • Managea ppointments, efficiently scheduling and reminding clients of upcoming visits to optimise clinic flow.
  • Interact with patients, recording and investigating complaints for recommending remedial actions.
  • Answered patients' questions in person, by email, or by phone.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of patient records, adhering to GDPR and other legal requirements.
  • Oversee maintenance of practice facilities, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for patients and staff.
  • Manage employee relations, addressing grievances and conflicts to foster a positive work environment.
  • Conducte exit interviews, gathering valuable feedback to reduce turnover and improve employee satisfaction.
  • Supervise staff recruitment, interviewing, selecting and onboarding.
  • Supported a staff memeber through adoption process by researching parental leave
  • Conducted a settlement agreement with an employee
  • Worked through the Covid Pandemic providing emergency eyecare.
  • Delivered a redundancy package

Dispensing Optician

M. Procter Opticians
Harrogate, Yorkshire
10.2004 - 12.2010
  • Assisted customers in selection of glasses and contact lenses, providing expert advice on fit and style.
  • Repaired and adjusted glasses frames, providing a personalised service to meet individual client needs.
  • Managed appointments, efficiently scheduling and reminding clients of upcoming visits to optimise clinic flow.
  • Demonstrated the correct use and care of contact lenses, ensuring customer confidence and satisfaction.
  • Fostered a welcoming environment, greeting customers promptly and making them feel valued.
  • Implemented hygiene and cleanliness protocols for all optical equipment and display areas.
  • Participated in staff training sessions to enhance product knowledge and customer service skills.
  • Processed sales transactions, handled cash, and operated card machines, maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Educated customers on appropriate eyewear care to extend product life.
  • Promoted special offers and discounts, effectively increasing sales and customer loyalty.
  • Customised eyewear solutions to accommodate unique customer needs and preferences.
  • Handled customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, resolving issues to their satisfaction.
  • Performed pre-screening tests including retinal imaging, Corneal Topography and Visual Field analysis.
  • Explained lens and fit options to support informed decision-making.
  • Monitored inventory levels, conducting regular stocktakes to prevent shortages or overstock.
  • Read prescriptions to gauge patient optical needs, fitting and dispensing optical lenses to fulfil requirements.
  • Documented facial measurements for optical centres of eyes, pupillary distance and temple length.
  • Educated customers on the importance of regular eye checks and the impact on overall health.
  • Provided superior optical service through active listening and attentive resolution of issues.
  • Employed detailed product knowledge to advise patients on high-end eyewear and bespoke frames.
  • Wrote up detailed work orders specifying parameters for lenses and frames.
  • Conversed with healthcare users to gather service feedback, identify improvements and gauge satisfaction levels for quality service delivery.
  • Liaised with suppliers to order optical products, ensuring timely delivery and stock availability.
  • Developed informative leaflets and displays to educate customers on eye care practices.
  • Led the implementation of a new appointment booking system to improve clinic efficiency and patient experience.
  • communicated with technicians in glazing labs.

Trainee Dispensing Opticain

Cameron Beaumont Opticians
Wetherby, West Yorkshire
08.2001 - 10.2004

Optical Assistant

Specsavers Opticians
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
07.2001 - 08.2001

Optical Assistant

Ross Maskell & Associates
Altrincham, Cheshire
02.2001 - 07.2001

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - Dispensing Optometry

Bradford College
Bradford
2004

Skills

  • Patient interaction
  • Optical dispensing
  • Data protection
  • Appointment management
  • Staff supervision
  • Customer relationship management
  • Optical product knowledge
  • Financial planning
  • Conflict resolution
  • Problem solving
  • Professional mentorship
  • Care coordination
  • Compliance adherence
  • Service improvement
  • Calm under pressure
  • Willingness to learn
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Team building
  • Leadership
  • Active listening
  • Team leadership and motivation
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Strategic planning
  • Public Relations

Interests

  • Learning BSL
  • Jogging, gym, swimming, walking
  • Yorkshire Three Peaks
  • Scouting assistant
  • Cooking
  • Crochet & Knitting
  • Houseplants
  • Travel
  • Skiing

Additional Information

  • Familiarity with appeals processes at county level in planning and education having had success in winning appeals in both area.
  • Comfortable public speaking and presenting
  • Married mother to two teenage boys, one of who is Autistic.
  • Special interest in researching Autism from a child and parent perspective

Timeline

Eye care in Special Needs Schools

NHS
04.2021 - Current

Company Director, Dispensing Optician

The Vale Opticians
12.2010 - Current

Dispensing Optician

M. Procter Opticians
10.2004 - 12.2010

Trainee Dispensing Opticain

Cameron Beaumont Opticians
08.2001 - 10.2004

Optical Assistant

Specsavers Opticians
07.2001 - 08.2001

Optical Assistant

Ross Maskell & Associates
02.2001 - 07.2001

Diploma of Higher Education - Dispensing Optometry

Bradford College
Kate Long