Optical Assistant

Royal National Institute of Blind People; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday per year plus bank hol

Contributory pension up to 11%

Staff discount scheme

Rewards platform with retailer savings

Job summary

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in London is seeking an Optical Assistant to join the Low Vision Centre. The role combines patient-centred care with administrative duties and some delegated clinical tasks to support clinicians in clinic and during home visits.

You will manage appointments, liaise between RNIB and rehabilitation colleagues, and help ensure a positive patient experience for people living with sight loss or learning disabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience as Optical Assistant in a busy clinic setting.
• Strong patient-centred approach and empathy in care delivery.
• Proven ability to support clinicians during clinics and home visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support and practical assistance in the Low Vision Centre.
• Assist clinicians in clinic and during home visits.
• Manage the diary and coordinate with RNIB and rehabilitation teams.
• Contribute to a welcoming, patient-friendly environment for service users.
• Support with delegated clinical tests as required.

Skills

Patient-centred care

Communication skills

Clinical support

Administrative experience

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Job title Optical Assistant Job reference REQ0002407 Date posted 08/10/2026 Application closing date 15/10/2026 Location London – Grimaldi Building Salary £23,040 per year (£28,000 full time equivalent) Package 27 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), which increases with service. Excellent pension scheme, staff discount scheme Contractual hours 28.8 Basis Part time Job category/type Blank Attachments JD - Optical Assistant - Oct 26.docx Job description£23,040 per year (£28,000 full time equivalent) On site at our LowVisionCentre inKings Cross, London 28.8 hours per week - Monday and Friday need to be worked but day off flexible outside of this.
Permanent

We are recruiting anenthusiasticoptical assistant who will be an integral part ofour team at the Low Vision Centre.Someone who likes to work with people and would like a chance to make a difference in the lives of people who are living with visual impairment or learning disabilities.

The role is varied and always patient centred. You will be providing administrativeexpertiseas well as practical support including some delegated clinical tests. You will be supporting clinicians in clinic and on home visits. You will ensure the smooth running of the diary and liaise between key stakeholders of this service, such as between RNIB and our rehabilitation officer colleagues. You will be involved in ensuring the best possible patient experienceand that all patients are welcomed into the centre.

You will have a strong understanding of patient-centred care and a genuine passion for improving the quality of life for people living with sight loss or learning disabilities.You’llbring excellent communication skills and experience working as an Optical Assistant in a busy clinic environment.

You will also have solid administrative experience, with confidence using patient management systems as well as Microsoft Word,PowerPointand Excel.You’llunderstand the importance of teamwork and play an active role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the optical service.

As we develop a Centre of Excellence, you will play a key role in helping people with visual impairment access the support and services they need. You will be central to creating an accessible, welcoming environment, supporting patients to engage with availableresourcesand making the most of our demonstration facilities.

What We Offer

RNIB prides itself on beinga great placeto work with a positive, progressive culture.

• 27 days of holiday per year (plus bank holidays) which rises with service
• enhanced family friendly benefits
• a contributory pension scheme with anemployer contribution of up to 11%
• a rewards platform with employee discounts across over 800 retailers

For more information on our available benefits, please visitour Benefits of Working at RNIB page .