Apprentice Optical Assistant

Suzanne Floyd Optometrist

Bucknell

On-site

GBP 12,000 - 16,000

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

Suzanne Floyd Optometrist in Shropshire is offering an Apprentice Optical Assistant role. You will start with an Advanced Level 3 apprenticeship and gain hands-on experience in reception, dispensing and optical support within a busy independent practice.

The training covers lenses, measurements, NHS paperwork and customer service, with opportunities to learn frame selection, fittings and pre-screening tests as part of a supportive small team.

Qualifications

Essential - GCSE English, grade 4/C or above.
Essential - GCSE Maths, grade 4/C or above.

Responsibilities

Greet customers in a friendly, professional manner.
Interpret prescriptions and explain effects on vision.
Help customers choose frames that fit lifestyle and comfort.
Measure frames and ensure proper size for lenses.
Adjust frames using appropriate tools for stability and comfort.
Perform basic frame repairs.
Complete NHS paperwork and records per procedures.
Schedule follow-up appointments for customers.
Use a focimeter to read prescriptions from spectacles.
Explain contact lens suitability and benefits.
Conduct pre-screening tests such as retinal imaging, pressure checks and visual field testing.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organisation

Customer care

Administrative

Team working

Initiative

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Job description

Introduction

This vacancy is for an Apprentice Optical Assistant based in Shropshire. Supporting all aspects of the customer journey within an Independent Opticians, including reception, admin, assisting patients with choosing and dispensing glasses, ordering and fitting glasses, while delivering friendly and caring service as part of a small team.

About the Employer

Suzanne Floyd Optometrist is an independent, family-run opticians based in Craven Arms, Shropshire . Established in 1992, the practice offers comprehensive eye examinations, NHS sight tests, contact lens fittings, and a wide selection of eyewear for the local community

What You\'ll Do

This is a fantastic and unique opportunity to embark on a journey towards a great career.

Starting as an Optical Assistant apprentice with future opportunities for career progression, you will be supported with loads of great, fun, and interactive training. You will use these exciting new skills in your day-to-day job, where you will gain customer service skills, knowledge in optical support, and develop behaviour suitable for working in an optical practice.

Those with a flair for fashion will love the new frames coming in, and if it\'s your forte, you may even get involved in meeting frame reps and helping choose the new ranges. If you are more technical, you will get to learn lots of information about lenses and measurements, then transform that information into jargon-free, easy-to-understand, customer-friendly language.

It\'s all about teamwork in an optician\'s practice. There are many roles, but you support each other to ensure your customers get the best experience possible. Optical assistants are a very important part of any optical practice and crucial to the customer journey. Individuals with a real passion for both healthcare and retail thrive in this role, as it\'s perfect for those who love to make a real difference in other people\'s lives.

The duties within this role include:

Greeting customers in a professional and friendly manner as they enter the practice
Interpreting and understanding a clinically issued prescription, its effects on the eye, and the customer\'s vision
Helping customer\'s select spectacle frame(s) that are suitable in terms of comfort, looks good and fits lifestyle requirements
Be able to explain the features and benefits of particular frames, using non-technical customer friendly language
Measuring the frames and ensure they are a suitable size for a customer and can accommodate their lenses
Adjusting customers spectacle frames using the correct tools to ensure stability and comfort
Basic frame repairs
Have a good knowledge of Ophthalmic lenses, tints and coatings to be able to meet visual/lifestyle requirements
Ordering prescription glasses and contact lenses in for the customer
Correct completion of NHS paperwork and written records in-line with company procedures
Making follow up appointments for customers
Use a focimeter to find the prescription from spectacles
Communicate contact lenses suitability, features and benefits
Carrying out pre-screening tests such as retinal imaging and pressure and visual field testing
Explaining offers and products to customers

Training Outcome

The successful candidate will work towards achieving a Level 3 qualification in optical and gain experience in a busy optical practice.

Upon completion of the Level 3 qualification, you will be an experienced and qualified optical assistant, and as such, you can continue building up skills that will always be in demand. Career breaks and part-time working are often possible.

You could go on to acquire higher level optical qualifications such as:

Ophthalmic Dispensing- Become a qualified Dispensing Optician
Contact lens Optician - fit Contact lenses
Low vision specialist - help people where traditional spectacles will not suffice. Supply low vision aids, magnifiers, advice on improving contrast and on other non-Optical aids such as bump-ons
Optometry courses - carry out full eye examinations and issue prescriptions
Clinical representative- visiting practices introducing new frame ranges and Ophthalmic lenses
In-practice trainer - You could use your knowledge to train others

Other non-clinical roles: