Apprentice Optical Assistant
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Company: VISION EXPRESS LIMITED
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Location: Westgate-On-Sea, CT8 8RE
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £17,228.25 per year
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Sector: Health and science
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Ref: NAS-2000052088
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Application Deadline Date: 30/10/2026
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Start Date: 09/11/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Learners will work 9:30am - 5.00pm, 5 out of 7 days - this will be discussed and agreed between candidate and store manager upon interview. They will be required to carry out a weekend shift.
Brief Description
Looking for a unique retail apprenticeship opportunity? Join us at Vision Express on an 18-month program where you'll earn a level 3 qualification in Optical Retail while receiving comprehensive training and support.
Future Prospects
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.
Vacancy Detail
This isn't your typical retail apprenticeship. As part of our team, you'll have more responsibility and involvement, playing a vital role in ensuring our customers feel special. With guidance from your store manager and our apprenticeship team, you'll learn the ins and outs of bringing our brand to life, selecting the right products, and delivering personalised experiences.
As an Optical Apprentice, you'll assist customers in finding eyewear that suits their needs, handle frame adjustments, repairs, fittings, and even perform pre-screening eye examinations and administrative tasks.
Why Join Us:
At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in our culture and values. We provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.
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 KPIs and how they affect the practices profitability
To qualify for our apprenticeship program, you should:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not be engaged in full or part-time education
- Have GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
- Possess confidence, passion, and enthusiasm
- Demonstrate teamwork and excellent customer service skills
- Be willing to work between 35 and 38.75 hours per week
Other Information
Please do not contact the company directly. 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 as soon as possible if you wish to be considered for this role.