Apprentice Optical Assistant

Training Provider; Taunton; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision Express in Taunton is offering an 18-month Optical Apprentice program. You'll earn a Level 3 qualification in Optical Retail while receiving comprehensive training and support.

As an Optical Apprentice you’ll help customers choose eyewear, assist with frame fittings, pre-screening eye checks, NHS paperwork, and basic repairs, under guidance from the store team.

You should be 16+, have GCSE maths and English at grade C/4 or above, and be willing to work 35–38.75 hours per week.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Not be engaged in full or part-time education.
• Possess confidence, passion, and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrate teamwork and excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers in a professional and friendly manner.
• Assist customers in selecting eyewear that suits their needs.
• Adjust frames and perform basic repairs.
• Explain features of frames in clear, non-technical language.
• Carry out basic pre-screening tests and NHS paperwork.
• Take payments and communicate offers to customers.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Confidence

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Job description

Training Provider: TRAINING 2000 LIMITED

Salary: See vacancy details — £17,212 a year

Address: Vision Express, 6 Fore Street, Taunton, TA1 1HX

Looking for a unique retail apprenticeship opportunity Join us at Vision Express on an 18-month program where you’ll earn a level 3 qualification in Optical Retail while receiving comprehensive training and support.

This isn’t your typical retail apprenticeship. As part of our team, you’ll have more responsibility and involvement, playing a vital role in ensuring our customers feel special. With guidance from your store manager and our apprenticeship team, you’ll learn the ins and outs of bringing our brand to life, selecting the right products, and delivering personalized experiences.

As an Optical Apprentice, you’ll assist customers in finding eyewear that suits their needs, handle frame adjustments, repairs, fittings, and even perform pre-screening eye examinations and administrative tasks.

Why Join Us:

At Vision Express, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in our culture and values. We provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.

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.
• Taking payments from customers.
• Being able to problem solve with basic optical concerns
• Understanding business KPIs and how they affect the practices profitability

To qualify for our apprenticeship program, you should:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Not be engaged in full or part-time education
• Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
• Possess confidence, passion, and enthusiasm
• Demonstrate teamwork and excellent customer service skills
• Be willing to work between 35 and 38.75 hours per week