Aston University Opens Specsavers Hearing Clinic
A new hearing clinic in partnership with Specsavers at Aston University celebrated World Hearing Day (Friday 3 March) with an official opening and drinks reception at its new clinic.
Staff from both Specsavers and Aston University’s audiology department met to officially open the clinic and look around the facilities based in the School of Optometry. Both parties discussed the benefits of having a hearing clinic on campus and reflected on the positive impact the clinic is having on students and patients.
The clinic, which is situated on the ground floor in the Optometry building on the University campus in Birmingham city centre, is run in partnership with Specsavers and offers hearing tests for free to students, staff and members of the public, while supporting the training of Aston University audiology students.
As well as providing hearing tests, the clinic can dispense hearing aids and offer counselling and advice alongside a full aftercare package. The team also advises people on personalised noise protection and ear plugs for swimming.
Specsavers is a key partner of Aston University, with graduates from both audiology and optometry going on to work for them. Last year, 62% of students who were placed in Specsavers clinics for support and training applied for jobs on graduation and got to interview. Of those interviewed, 61% are now employed by Specsavers.
Claire Wilkes, audiology programme director at Aston University, said: “We cannot wait to see what comes next in this wonderful journey. So far the clinic has had a lot of interest and uptake of hearing appointments. We are delighted to be working alongside Specsavers.
“Many of our students undertake work placements with the company, so we are very happy we’ve been able to grow our partnership further by opening this clinic on campus.”
Humah Zaheer, Specsavers audiology director, who runs the clinic added: “I’m delighted to be involved in this initiative. As an Aston University audiology graduate from 2014 it feels like I’ve come full circle. Being able to offer students an insight into the ‘real’ world of audiology, as well as Specsavers, is a fantastic experience for their career development.
“We’ve also been bowled over with the response from the public and are looking to expand the number of days we open the clinic from next year.”
The hearing clinic on campus enables students to practice their clinical and communication skills in preparation for long term work placements off campus. The skills lab equipment mimics equipment in the NHS, helping students better prepare for placements.