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Steve Roberts Interview

Posted on 10th Jan 2018

Steve Roberts has recently taken on the role of courses coordinator, optical support programmes at ABDO College, and is now the point of contact regarding all things relating to the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers courses. In this article, you can find a little more about Steve’s background and his aims for his new role.

Steve Roberts is a dispensing optician who has been working in independent practice. He will continue to work in practice alongside his work for ABDO College, in his courses coordinator role. Steve is also an ABDO College tutor. He explains how he got into optics: “I used to be a retail manager of a shoe shop. I wanted something that was still customer focussed but more technically challenging. By chance, I saw an advert for customer service staff at an optics company. I didn’t even realise at that stage it was a high street optical practice. I applied and in the process found out more about the company and the job. I joined as a receptionist, really as something to do while deciding what to do with my life. I found that I loved the work. Fortunately, the manager realised I wanted more and put me on the
DO course.” Steve studied for his qualifications in dispensing optics through day release at City and Islington College. He says, “I had lots of support from fellow students and the teaching staff. I realised optics was a massive area with so much to learn. I found it really useful to bring the learning to life by working and studying at the same time.”

Steve remained with the Ronald Brown group throughout his training and for a total of just under nine years. He says, “I then moved to an independent in Hertfordshire, Aves Optometrists. I have been there for over 10 years, and now combine that with working with the College. The practice is a fabulous place where the patient comes first, and I now also have the opportunity to use my skills in helping the next generation.” Alongside his work in practice, Steve has also been an ABDO College distance learning tutor for the last two years, liaising with and supporting students on the access and dispensing courses.

He says, “Being a tutor has given me a chance to get more involved at different levels and have contact with students.” As well as his optical skills, Steve also brings IT skills to ABDO College. He says, “I am used to looking after the practice IT, everything is computerised. I think that in the future there is lots of scope for using increasing amounts of multimedia technology to make learning interesting.” Outside of work, you may find Steve still working on a computer, and he also enjoys badminton and cycling. Considering his new position, Steve says, “The WCSM courses are a fantastic way of developing optical support staff in an interesting and engaging way. This staff development is very relevant for practice success. With this sort of training, staff themselves will enjoy their job more. The courses are a great introduction to the professional and technical sides of optics at a straightforward level, without a highly pressured academic environment. I’m really pleased to be part of the team, in an industry that cares, upholding high standards at ABDO College with the WCSM.”

Steve works at ABDO College on Mondays and Tuesdays and can be contacted by email at sroberts@abdocollege.org.uk.  You can find out more about WCSM courses for optical support staff at http://abdocollege.org.uk/course/wcsm-courses/