Apprentice Optical Assistant Eyes on Broadway

This vacancy is for an Apprentice Optical Assistant based in London. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience within an Optical company supporting day to day tasks whilst gaining on the job qualifications. Duties will 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.

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Closing date: 30 Sep 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,707.84

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Mon, Tues, Weds and Fri - 09:30 - 18:00 Thurs - 09:30 - 17:30

    Total hours per week: 39.0

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    09 Oct 2023

  • Date posted

    13 Sep 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000198436

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

A fantastic and unique opportunity to embark on a journey towards a great career.
Starting at Optical Assistant level as an 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 to work 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 you will transform that information into jargon free, easy to understand, customer friendly language.
It's all about teamwork in an Opticians practice, there are many roles but you support each other to make sure 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 really thrive in this role, as it's the perfect position for those who love to make a real difference to 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 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
  • Making adjustments to 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 focimetre 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 training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

  • Level 3 Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Functional skills Maths and Literacy, can be obtained on the course (if required)
  • Enhancement / challenge - how to develop ourselves
  • Equality and diversity - treating others equally, respect / accept others from different backgrounds
  • British values - democracy, rule of law, respect and tolerance, individual liberty
  • Prevent - safeguarding individuals from being drawn into terrorism
  • Digital skills - keeping up with technology and effective use

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

The successful candidate will work towards achieving a level 3 qualification in Optical with 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 - Go into a Management course
  • Practice ownership - Go into business yourself, partnership or Franchise

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Team working, Initiative, Patience

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4/C or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4/C or above) Essential

Things to consider

Please do not contact Company direct. Please note; we reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a suitable number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply ASAP if you wish to be considered for this role.

About the employer

Eyes on Broadway are the longest serving Opticians in Muswell Hill, and the ONLY Opticians in Highgate! Serving the people of London since the 1880s. That?s what makes us unique! At The Eyes on Broadway Optometry , our clients are transported to a different world of eyecare services. We have advanced technology in our clinics enabling us to offer enhanced and comprehensive services in eyecare, from Dry Eye Services, to Myopia Management to Orthokeratology.

Employer

Eyes on Broadway

Address

343 Muswell Hill

Broadway

London

N10 1BX

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Training

Training provider

TRAINING 2000 LIMITED

Contact

Lauren Reddaway

lauren.reddaway@t2000.co.uk

0125454659

Apprenticeship standard

Optical assistant 2022

Level 3 (A level)

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