Graduate optometrists from Deakin University recently celebrated their completion of the two-year Specsavers Graduate Program. These optometrists were part of the first cohort to graduate from Deakin’s accelerated optometry course in July 2015.

The function took place at the QT Hotel in Melbourne at the end of July, with the evening starting with a presentation on the options available to the optometrists beyond the Graduate Program.

Members of the Specsavers Professional Development team explained that there was potential for post-graduate clinical education, business and leadership training, and various opportunities to expand their clinical experience in the next stage of their Specsavers journey. The graduates also learned about the Pathway Program, which provides them with the skills they need to confidently lead their own practice.

Upon conclusion of the formalities, the graduates launched into the celebrations, enjoying their final social event as a Graduate Program cohort.

Earlier that week, the Specsavers Professional Development team also hosted Primary Mentor workshops for the store partners who were welcoming fresh Deakin University graduates to their teams.

Attendees included both experienced and new mentors, ready to learn or reinforce their understanding of how to successfully guide their new optometrists through the first two years of their careers.

Topics discussed included graduate expectations, fears and concerns; the key motivating factors for Millennials; as well as common mentor challenges and solutions. In addition to participating in an interactive and open forum, where attendees could benefit from the knowledge of both Support Office staff as well as more seasoned Graduate Program members, the store partners were given practical tools and resources to help prepare them for their critical roles as graduate mentors.

The 2017 Deakin Specsavers Graduate Program cohort will be formally welcomed in Melbourne in a two-day induction event next week, from 28-29 August 2017.

To find out more about the Specsavers Graduate Program, email anz.professionaldevelopment@specsavers.com or check out the range of graduate opportunities currently available.