Eleanor Hill becomes the youngest dispensing optician in the UK

Newly qualified dispensing optician Eleanor Hill has been confirmed as the youngest dispensing optician in the UK.

Ms Hill, who works at Benjamin Opticians in Skipton, was contacted by the General Optical Council to congratulate her on qualification and to inform her that at 19, she is the youngest dispensing optician on its registers.

Ms Hill joined the independent at 15 and later enrolled on a foundation course with ABDO College to become a dispensing optician.

Benjamin Opticians practice owner, Liz Ellis, said: “Elly joined us at 15 as a Saturday girl, cleaning frames and sweeping up. We quickly noticed there was something special about her – she was enthusiastic and very keen to learn, so we enrolled her on the foundation course to become a dispensing optician. She’s worked doubly hard, combining her studies with in-practice training, and shows a maturity and professionalism way beyond her years.”

Reflecting on her qualification, Ms Hill said: “I used to come to Benjamins with my mum to have her contact lens check. David Benjamin, who has since retired, could see I was interested and used to let me look through the slit lamp.

“When I was 15 I completed work experience there and Liz then offered me a Saturday job, which I loved. Since she told me they were expanding and needed a new dispensing optician, I’ve never looked back.”