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About this apprenticeship
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 customer's select spectacle frame(s) that are suitable in terms of comfort, looks good and fits lifestyle requirements
Be able to explain the features and benefits of particular frames, using non-technical customer friendly language
Measuring the frames and ensure 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 in 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 and 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 practices profitability
What you could go on to do
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
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