Optical Assistant Apprenticeship - Edgware Road Specsavers

This gives people of all ages a chance to start an exciting career, while earning a full-time wage.

Requirements

• GCSE in Maths (grade 9-4 (A*-C))

• Enthusiasm for providing great customer service

• Desire to pursue a career in optics

• Ability to travel to the store location on a daily basis

• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you know.

Responsibilities

• Provide top-notch advice and a warm welcome to the store
• Book customers for eye tests
• Pre-screen patients and measure frames
• Ensure the smooth running of the store, identifying and addressing any issues
• Deliver customer service which aligns with company values, beliefs and purposes
• Identify when and who to refer to when supervision is required (e.g., ocular emergencies, screening, dispensing, collections of restricted categories)
• Work within the limits of policies, procedures, and regulated activity (e.g., GDPR, NHS, GOC, Health and Safety at Work, safeguarding)
• Follow employer’s guidelines and expectations for presentation and team working
• Identify and meet customer needs within the optical environment
• Communicate with customers and the optical team to maximise understanding
• Refer customers needing communication support (e.g., language, hearing, visual, or learning difficulties) to appropriate services
• Follow health and safety legislation in the optical environment, including customer safety, hygiene, and infection control
• Follow safe use instructions when using optical equipment (e.g., adjustment tools, screening equipment, measuring equipment)
• Follow procedures and processes for first aid, accident and incident reporting, or evacuations
• Provide the benefits and limitations of different services (e.g., sight tests, contact lenses) and extended services (e.g., minor eye condition services, low vision services) to customers
• Offer non-prescribed products (e.g., contact lens solutions, common ophthalmic drops, ready readers, magnifiers, accessories)
• Select appointments, recall information, appointment types, and exemptions on the employer’s system, and maintain accurate records
• Report and record ocular emergencies following correct employer procedures
• Accurately prepare clinical records for use following employer procedures
• Accurately complete customer pre-appointment procedures
• Use product tolerances to validate product accuracy
• Use lens measuring equipment to identify prescriptions and lens measurements
• Identify lens types using engravings (e.g., progressive lenses, safety spectacles) and remark lenses where required
• Interpret the spectacle prescription to identify a range of vision correction options suitable for the customer
• Offer suitable lens products based on customer needs and preferences, highlighting features and benefits
• Offer specialised products based on customer needs and preferences, highlighting features and benefits
• Offer suitable frames based on customer needs and preferences, highlighting features and benefits
• Identify frame fitting suitability, including facial, frame, and spectacle lens measurements required to process spectacle orders
• Process spectacle orders, payments, and arrange collections, offering relevant promotions
• Identify and check visual acuity for near vision spectacle, explaining adaptation as required
• Fit spectacle frames using questioning, measurements, and tools
• Use tools correctly to adjust frames without causing damage
• Provide advice and guidance on frame fitting, lens care, and after-sales service
• Identify guarantees and warranties of optical products and adhere to legal requirements for consumers
• Manage customer concerns and/or complaints in line with employer procedures
• Use problem-solving techniques to identify causes of concerns or complaints
• Communicate with customers to resolve concerns or complaints within the limits of your authority
• Follow remake and repair procedures
• Recognise and resolve customer complaints (e.g., poor fitting, incorrect measurements) or offer alternative options
• Participate in training and development activities to maintain own practice
• Participate in appraisals, obtain feedback, and use self-reflection to plan further development and identify career opportunities
• Adapt approach for customers with ocular conditions (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetes)
• Conduct screening using equipment and record accurate results
• Inform the patient about the equipment, processes, and procedures used for screening
• Gain support or guidance from colleagues during screening when required
• Inform the patient that tests check for medical conditions
• Demonstrate contact lens handling and insertion/removal to a patient
• Show the patient how to care for their lenses
• Provide advice and guidance on cleaning of lenses and solution types
• Follow out-of-hours emergency procedures
• Recognise a customer’s ability to make an informed decision
• Tell the customer what the sight test includes and how it is carried out
• Work independently to plan and manage workload
• Assess and mitigate risk in patient’s home to ensure an appropriate eye test can be delivered
• Manage own wellbeing and resources
• Maintain team communications when working remotely