Apprentice Optical Assistant

This is a fantastic opportunity to begin a rewarding career in optics with John Frewin Opticians, a respected independent practice where exceptional patient care and personalised service are at the heart of everything we do.

As an Apprentice Optical Assistant, you will become an important part of our team, gaining hands-on experience in a professional clinical environment while working towards recognised apprenticeship qualifications. You will develop valuable skills in customer care, dispensing support, optical products and clinical assistance, building strong foundations for a long-term career in the optical profession.

The duties within this role include:

Welcoming patients in a warm, professional, and friendly manner, ensuring an excellent first impression of the practice Assisting patients with choosing spectacle frames that are comfortable, suitable, and aligned with their lifestyle and visual needs Explaining the features and benefits of frames, lenses, coatings, and optical products in clear, easy-to-understand language Taking accurate measurements to support the dispensing of spectacles Adjusting spectacle frames to ensure comfort, fit, and stability, as well as carrying out minor repairs Ordering prescription spectacles and contact lenses accurately and efficiently Supporting NHS paperwork, administrative tasks, and maintaining accurate patient records in line with company procedures Booking appointments and follow-up visits for patients Learning to interpret optical prescriptions and understand how they relate to vision and eyewear requirements Using optical equipment such as a focimeter to analyse spectacle prescriptions Carrying out pre-screening tests including retinal imaging, visual field analysis, and intraocular pressure measurements Supporting patients with contact lens collections, guidance, and product information Taking payments and assisting with day-to-day customer queries Working closely with the wider team to deliver an exceptional patient experience Developing problem-solving skills to assist with basic optical concerns and patient queries

As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll have opportunities to develop further within the practice, gaining wider experience in dispensing, clinical support, and other areas of optical care.

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:

SNK Eyecare Ltd is an active private limited company incorporated on April 13, 2017, specializing in operating NHS optician branches.

Working Hours :
To be confirmed in interview.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Team working,Initiative