During your optometry work experience, you'll shadow optometrists, assist with patient care tasks, learn to use diagnostic equipment, observe specialised procedures, attend educational sessions, engage in case discussions, interact with patients, and network with professionals. These activities provide a comprehensive understanding of the field and practical skills for your future career.

Valuable work experiences for optometry include shadowing optometrists, clinical internships, volunteering in eye care programmes, research opportunities, roles as optometry technicians or assistants, retail optical experience, participation in community outreach programmes, and attending continuing education events. These experiences provide practical exposure to patient care, diagnostic procedures, and diverse patient populations, preparing individuals for a career in optometry medicine.

– Oyster travel card – approximately £45 (plus £5 for refundable card)
– Optional evening activities such as cinema, bowling - approximately £50 in total
- Flights and visas (if applicable)

At Medic Mind, we hold a strong belief that financial constraints should not hinder your aspirations. That's why we dedicate 25% of our positions for students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing exclusive bursary discounts. If you believe you meet the criteria, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] with the subject line "Work Experience Bursary" and include any relevant documentation. We're committed to assisting you on your path to success!

Once reserved, the work experience week is non-refundable. This policy is implemented due to the need for extensive arrangements, such as accommodation and room bookings. If you're unsure about attendance but want to secure your place, you can opt to pay a non-refundable deposit of £500. The remaining payment will be required before the course begins.

We strongly recommend this course for individuals aged 14 to 25, including students from Year 9 onwards and graduate entry applicants.

Absolutely not! A significant majority of our students, comprising 70%, come from international destinations and live abroad. We make transportation arrangements hassle-free by providing convenient pick-up services from Heathrow airport to your accommodation. Moreover, a dedicated member of the Medic Mind team will be there to welcome you upon arrival, ensuring a seamless transition. We even offer drop-off assistance to your departure terminal if needed.

Ensuring safety is our top priority during the Work Experience week. Your child will be under the supervision of the dedicated Medic Mind Safeguarding team for any required travel. While there is a 30-minute train journey to and from the accommodation to the venues, rest assured that they will be fully accompanied throughout the journey.

During your stay, you will be accommodated in single rooms at UCL Accommodation, where breakfast and dinner will be provided daily. Your stay will commence on Sunday night, the day prior to the course, and you will check out on Friday, totalling 5 nights. You can add an extra night of accommodation for £100. Rest assured, the accommodation offers 24/7 security, and Medic Mind staff, trained in first aid and safeguarding, will be available on-site to provide assistance whenever needed. Additionally, we can arrange airport pick-up for your convenience.

Students coming to the UK for the Work Experience will need a Standard Visitor visa- https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor

The Standard Visitor visa can only be applied for by parents/guardians and costs £100. They must apply through the UK Gov website only, You can name our course and Medic Mind as the guardians of under 18s, and provide then the course information and booking confirmation when applying for the visa.

We recommend booking flights first before applying for the visa, as the visa needs proof of a return flight (the course end date might be enough, but might result in rejection).

If you need any further help, our Work Experience Team can support you if you email [email protected] with the subject “Work Experience Visa”

Certainly! Many of our students come from overseas and have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, including being vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, and more. We are committed to accommodating these requirements and will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your meals meet your dietary needs.

Certainly! Before the commencement of the week, we kindly ask that you disclose any health conditions you may have so that we can take the necessary precautions in advance. If you have any concerns or queries, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at +44 (0) 203 305 9593 or by email at [email protected]. We are here to provide assistance and support in any way we can.

Throughout the entire duration, your child will receive continuous support from our Medic Mind staff, all of whom have undergone DBS enhanced checks and extensive training in first aid and safeguarding. We ensure the presence of a female staff member both on-site and within our accommodation premises at all times. Additionally, students will be provided with a 24-hour emergency contact number that they can utilise whenever necessary. This contact number can also be shared with parents and guardians if required.

The work experience programme spans five days, starting promptly at 9 am and typically concluding around 3 pm. However, you will receive a detailed timetable in advance, outlining precise timings for each day's activities. For those staying at UCL Halls with us, we have planned evening activities such as movie nights, bowling, and more to enhance your experience beyond the classroom.

Recognising the challenges posed by the current economic climate, we offer interest-free instalment plans over 3 to 6 months to provide flexibility in payment. However, please note that a non-refundable deposit of £500 is required to secure your spot.

Booking our accommodation is optional; you have the flexibility to commute or arrange your own lodging if necessary. However, opting for our accommodation offers the advantage of receiving support and assistance from our dedicated team, as well as the opportunity to reside alongside other students participating in the work experience programme.

Certainly! Every student will receive a tangible certificate as evidence of their participation in the course. This certificate holds significant value, especially for their UCAS application, as many universities require proof of participation in extracurricular activities.

Absolutely! Our optometry Summer Schools welcome students from all over the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Dubai, UAE, Canada, USA, India, and Ireland, among others. We have a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved.

Participating in a optometry summer school offers numerous advantages, such as gaining invaluable insight into the optometry profession, honing practical skills, networking with professionals and peers, and bolstering your medical school application.