Apprentice Optical Assistant with On Call Opticians

This is a supporting role that combines customer service, retail, and clinical support duties within an opticians' practice, assiting the Optometrist and Dispensing Optician. 

Your role will involve guiding customers through their entire journey, from booking appointments to fitting eyewear.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

You will receive training in the following: 

Customer Service & Sales: Greeting customers, booking eye examinations, managing queries, and helping patients select appropriate frames, lenses, and other products (e.g., contact lenses, sunglasses) based on their prescription, style preferences, and budget. Pre-Screening: Conducting preliminary eye health screenings and basic diagnostic tests (such as retinal imaging, visual field testing, and pressure checks) under supervision, and recording the results for the optometrist. Dispensing & Adjustments: Interpreting prescriptions, taking accurate measurements, fitting and adjusting spectacles, and performing minor repairs (following training). Administration & Operations: Managing clinical appointments, processing payments, maintaining patient records, controlling stock levels, and ensuring the practice environment is clean and organised. Patient Education: Providing advice to customers on how to wear and care for their eyewear and contact lenses, and explaining product features and benefits in non-technical language.   Appointment Management: Creating, amending, and confirming bookings in the digital diary. Patient Records: Creating, updating, and organising electronic patient records, ensuring confidentiality and GDPR compliance. Stock Control: Monitoring stock levels, placing orders for frames, lenses, and contact lenses, and managing invoices within the software. Sales & Payments: Processing sales transactions, managing payments (cash, card, direct debit), and assisting with end-of-day cashing up and reporting.  Completing NHS Forms. Eligibility Checks: Confirming a patient's eligibility for NHS services, such as free sight tests or optical vouchers, and explaining any charges. Form Preparation: Preparing relevant GOS forms, such as GOS1 (sight tests), GOS3 (optical vouchers), GOS4 (repair/replacement vouchers), and GOS6 (domiciliary sight tests). Submission: Submitting NHS claims electronically via the eGOS system or manually processing paper forms for submission to PCSE (Primary Care Support England). Accuracy & Validation: Ensuring all forms are completed accurately and signed by the patient or a responsible person, as incomplete or incorrect forms can delay payment.

Training Outcome:

With further training and qualifications, such as a diploma approved by the General Optical Council (GOC), individuals can progress to become a qualified Dispensing Optician or an Optometrist, subject to performance. 

Employer Description:
Sandwell is a large, multicultural metropolitan borough situated in the heart of the Black Country, to the west of Birmingham, within the West Midlands conurbation and with a population of over 280,000. The Council is one of the largest employers in the Borough with employees in a variety of occupations, providing a comprehensive range of services. For more information about Sandwell Council’s apprenticeship programme and our recruitment process please visit our YouTube channel. Find out more information on Sandwell’s Values and Behaviours on the council’s webpage. For more information on careers in local government you can view a copy of the Local Government Career Guide.

Working Hours :
Monday to Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm, with 1/2hr lunch break. A Saturday rota system will exist, and the hours will be 9.00am to 4.00pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Number skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience