This is a fantastic and unique opportunity to embark on a journey towards a great career. Starting as an Optical Assistant apprentice with future opportunities for career progression, you will be supported with loads of great, fun, and interactive training. You will use these exciting new skills in your day-to-day job, where you will gain customer service skills, knowledge in optical support, and develop behaviour suitable for working in an optical practice. Those with a flair for fashion will love the new frames coming in, and if it's your forte, you may even get involved in meeting frame reps and helping choose the new ranges. If you are more technical, you will get to learn lots of information about lenses and measurements, then transform that information into jargon-free, easy-to-understand, customer-friendly language. It's all about teamwork in an optician's practice. There are many roles, but you support each other to ensure your customers get the best experience possible. Optical assistants are a very important part of any optical practice and crucial to the customer journey. Individuals with a real passion for both healthcare and retail thrive in this role, as it's perfect for those who love to make a real difference in other people's lives. The duties within this role include:
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 frame(s) that are suitable in terms of comfort, look good and fit lifestyle requirements.
Be able to explain the features and benefits of particular frames, using non-technical customer-friendly language.
Measuring the frames and ensuring they are a suitable size for a customer and can accommodate their lenses.
Adjusting customers' spectacle frames using the correct tools to ensure stability and comfort.
Basic frame repairs.
Have a good knowledge of ophthalmic lenses, tints and coatings to be able to meet visual / lifestyle requirements.
Ordering prescription glasses and contact lenses for the customer.
Correct completion of NHS paperwork and written records in line with company procedures.
Making follow-up appointments for customers.
Use a focimeter to find the prescription from spectacles.
Communicate contact lenses' suitability, features and benefits.
Carrying out pre-screening tests such as retinal imaging, pressure, and visual field testing.
Explaining offers and products to customers.
Taking payments from customers.
Being able to problem-solve with basic optical concerns
Understanding business KPI's and how they affect the practice's profitability.
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, in a partnership or franchise.
Employer Description:Vision Express opened their first opticians over thirty years ago in Gateshead. Today they have over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland.At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in their culture and values. They provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.Working Hours :Learners will work 9:30am to 5pm 5 days, and will be required to work one weekend shift. This will be agreed upon between the candidate and the store manager upon interview.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Team working,Initiative....Read more...
Optometrist Jobs in Frinton-on-Sea & Dovercourt, Essex
Up to £78,000 + Exceptional Bonus | Flexible Role | Independent Opticians
Zest Optical are working with a respected independent Opticians in Essex to recruit an Optometrist for their practices in Frinton-on-Sea and Dovercourt.
This is a flexible opportunity where the practice is keen to build the role around the right person. They are open to full or part time, flexible hours and flexibility around Saturday working.
The business has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality patient care and offers a relaxed clinical environment with strong support from an experienced team.
The Role
Providing 30–45 minute sight tests for a wide patient base
Working closely with an experienced Dispensing Optician and support team
Access to advanced retinal imaging including OCT
Visual fields carried out by the support team
Contact lens clinics
Involvement in local shared care schemes including MECS
Working across two well-established practices in Frinton-on-Sea and Dovercourt
Flexible working pattern with the option of full or part time
Flexibility around Saturdays and working hours
The Practice
The practices form part of a well-established independent optical group in Essex, known for its focus on patient care and clinical standards.
You will work in a supportive environment with modern equipment and an experienced team, allowing you to focus on delivering excellent eye care without unnecessary pressure.
The directors are open minded about shaping the role around the individual and there may also be future development opportunities within the business.
Requirements
GOC registered Optometrist
Strong communication skills and patient focused approach
Commercial awareness while maintaining high clinical standards
Interest in developing clinical skills
Contact lens experience preferred
Salary & Benefits
Up to £78,000 salary depending on experience
Excellent bonus scheme
Flexible working pattern
Professional fees paid
5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV to Rebecca Wood at Zest Optical using the apply now link.....Read more...
Optical Business Development Manager role covering East Midlands & East Anglia. Zest Optical are currently seeking a Business Development Manager for a leading global provider of ophthalmic lenses. This role focuses on building strong business relationships with customers in the independent optical market across the East Midlands & East Anglia region (CB, CO, HP, IG, IP, LE, LU, NR, SL, SS, CM, MK, OX, PE, SG & WD).
As a Business Development Manager, you will lead initiatives to grow the business, develop new partnerships, and strengthen existing client relationships. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to deliver results through effective planning and execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Identify and pursue new business opportunities
Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with customers
Drive business growth by expanding market presence
Plan and execute strategies to ensure project and partnership success
Requirements:
Dispensing Optician qualification or proven experience in optical sales
Self-motivated and able to work independently to tight deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to analyse data effectively to inform business decisions
Salary & Benefits:
Competitive base salary around £44,000, plus bonus scheme
Company car and additional benefits
To ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity, please click “Apply Now” below.....Read more...
Optical Practice Manager Jobs in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear
£28,000 to £32,000 DOEFull Time | 5 Days per WeekMonday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm | Saturdays 9:00am – 4:00pm
Zest Optical recruitment is working in partnership with a successful independent Opticians in Jarrow to recruit an Optical Practice Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established practice with a loyal patient base and reputation for delivering personalised eye care to the local community.
The practice combines a friendly, family-orientated approach with high clinical standards, modern technology and a strong focus on providing every patient with a tailored experience.
The Role
As Optical Practice Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the practice, leading a team of optical professionals while ensuring an exceptional patient journey and strong commercial performance.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading, motivating and developing the practice team• Managing staff rotas and daily workflow• Supporting training and ongoing development• Delivering a high level of patient care and customer service• Handling patient queries and resolving issues professionally• Monitoring sales performance and identifying opportunities for growth• Managing frame and lens stock• Ensuring compliance with NHS and GOC regulations• Supporting local marketing and community engagement initiatives
The Practice
• Established independent Opticians serving Jarrow and South Tyneside• Team with over 50 years of combined optical experience• Single testing room environment focused on quality rather than volume• Strong emphasis on providing patients with time, care and personalised advice• Investment in modern technology including digital imaging and advanced lens solutions• Access to an off-site manufacturing laboratory, allowing quick turnaround on lenses and glazing services• Wide selection of designer, exclusive and independent frame collections
Requirements
• Qualified Dispensing Optician or experienced Optical Practice Manager• Previous management or supervisory experience within optics• Passion for delivering outstanding customer service• Confident leading and developing a team• Commercially aware with a patient-first mindset• Excellent communication and organisational skills
What’s on Offer
• Salary £28,000 to £32,000 depending on experience• Company pension• Staff discount• Supportive independent environment• Opportunity to lead an established practice with an excellent local reputation
To apply for this Optical Practice Manager job in Jarrow, please send your CV or call 0114 238 1726 for a confidential discussion.....Read more...
Optical Practice Manager – LoughboroughIndependent Opticians | 4 or 5 Days per Week | Small Team Environment
Previous Optical Management experience within an Opticians practice is essential.
Zest Optical are working with a small independent optical practice in Loughborough, Leicestershire to recruit an Optical Practice Manager to join and support the continued development of the business.
This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with a newly appointed Director who has ambitious growth plans for the practice. The independent Opticians has a loyal patient base, a personal approach to care and offers a varied range of eyewear to suit all budgets.
The role would suit an experienced Optical Manager or Dispensing Optician who enjoys autonomy, takes pride in their work and wants to become a trusted and valued part of a close-knit independent practice.
The Role
Optical Practice Manager role with an independent Opticians in Loughborough
4 or 5 days per week
Working hours 9am to 5pm
1 in 4 Saturdays off
Small, close-knit team environment
Sole working on some days
Supporting the day-to-day running of the optical practice
Working closely with the Director, who is also the Optometrist
Opportunity to get involved across all areas of the business
Supporting future growth and development plans
The practice currently offers eye examinations 2 days a week, with scope to increase clinics in the future as the business continues to grow.
A key part of the role will involve dispensing, patient care and supporting the operational side of the practice, alongside carrying out on-site glazing work.
Requirements
Previous Optical Management experience is essential
Glazing experience is required
Must have worked within an Opticians environment
Qualified Dispensing Opticians welcome to apply
Able to work independently and confidently manage the practice
Strong organisational and communication skills
Honest, reliable and professional approach
Looking for someone who has demonstrated loyalty and longevity within previous roles
Commercial awareness and willingness to support practice growth
What’s on Offer
£28,000 to £34,000 DOE
Independent practice environment with genuine autonomy
Opportunity to work closely with the Director and influence the future direction of the business
Varied role across dispensing, management and operational responsibilities
Supportive and personable team environment
Long-term opportunity within a growing independent optical practice
To apply for this Optical Practice Manager job in Loughborough, please send your CV to Rebecca Wood at Zest Optical using the Apply link.
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