Apprentice Optical Assistant: Frames, Lenses & Care

TRAINING 2000 LIMITED; Kendal; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision Express Kendal is recruiting an Optical Assistant apprentice to learn the art of delivering personalised customer experiences while supporting everyday practice operations.

With guidance from the store manager and our apprenticeship team, you’ll learn to interpret prescriptions, help customers choose frames, use a focimeter, complete NHS paperwork, and build the skills for a long career in optical care.

Qualifications

• Interpreting and understanding prescriptions and their effects on vision.
• Assisting customers in selecting frames for comfort and lifestyle.
• Explaining frame features in non-technical language.
• Measuring and adjusting frames for proper fit.
• Understanding ophthalmic lenses, tints, and coatings.

Responsibilities

• 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 customers select spectacle frames suitable for comfort, looks, and lifestyle requirements.
• Explain features and benefits of frames in non-technical language for customers.
• Measuring frames to ensure proper size and accommodation for lenses.
• Adjusting frames using the correct tools for stability and comfort.
• Basic frame repairs.
• Knowledge of ophthalmic lenses, tints, and coatings to meet visual and lifestyle needs.
• Ordering prescription glasses and contact lenses for customers.
• NHS paperwork completed accurately and records kept per procedures.
• Making follow-up appointments for customers.
• Using a focimeter to determine prescriptions from spectacles.
• Communicating lens options and lens suitability for contact lenses.
• Carrying out pre-screening tests such as retinal imaging and pressure checks.
• Explaining offers and products to customers.
• Taking payments from customers.
• Problem solving with basic optical concerns.
• Understanding business KPIs and their impact on practice profitability.

Skills

Customer service

Optical knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Education

L3 Optical Assistant Qualification

Tools

Focimeter

Job description

Vision Express Kendal is recruiting an Optical Assistant apprentice to learn the art of delivering personalised customer experiences while supporting everyday practice operations.

With guidance from the store manager and our apprenticeship team, you’ll learn to interpret prescriptions, help customers choose frames, use a focimeter, complete NHS paperwork, and build the skills for a long career in optical care.