Optical Assistant Apprentice

We are a family-run independent opticians dedicated to providing exceptional eye care services to our community. We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Apprentice Optical Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about eye health and vision care and is looking to start their career in the optical industry.

As an Apprentice Optical Assistant, you will work closely with our experienced team to ensure our patients receive the best possible care and service. You will be involved in a variety of tasks, ranging from assisting with sight exams to helping customers select the perfect frames and lenses for their needs. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our patients leave our practice with improved vision and a positive experience.

Responsibilities:

Provide exceptional customer service: Greet patients warmly, actively listen to their needs, managing appointment bookings, handling phone inquiries, and offer professional advice and recommendations. Ensure that all patients receive a personalised and enjoyable experience at our practice.  Assist with sight exams: Under the guidance of our optometrists and team, you will help prepare the examination room, perform basic pre-screening tests, and accurately record patient information.  Support frame selection: after training utilise your knowledge of different frame styles, materials, and lens options to guide patients in choosing eyewear that suits their face shape, personal style, and lifestyle requirements.  Dispense and fit glasses: Learn how to accurately measure and fit eyewear, perform basic adjustments and repairs, ensuring optimal vision correction and comfort for our customers.  Assist with contact lens fittings: Learn the process of fitting and instructing patients on the proper use and care of contact lenses.  Maintain inventory: Help manage the stock of frames, lenses, contact lenses, and other optical products, ensuring that we have a wide range of options available to meet our patient's needs.  Maintain cleanliness and organisation: Assist with keeping the practice clean, organised, and visually appealing, creating a welcoming environment for our patients.

Training:
Optical assistant 2022 L3 Apprenticeship Standard

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:

Practice Management you could complete a management course Practice ownership you could go into business yourself, partnership or franchise.

Employer Description:
Founder Vince Royle began in the optical industry in 1978. His corporate experience encouraged him with wife Jane to establish the Cotswold Eye Care Centre in 1997 (a truly independent practice). Two daughters, Celia and Lizzy have joined since, providing combined many years of experience and strengths to help our patients with their eyecare needs.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Presentation skills,Team working