- Learning BSL
- Jogging, gym, swimming, walking
- Yorkshire Three Peaks
- Scouting assistant
- Cooking
- Crochet & Knitting
- Houseplants
- Travel
- Skiing
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
Bradford2004
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
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