Become an optical assistant
Looking for a retail role with a difference? A place where you can follow your ambitions, learn in your own way and make a positive impact to people’s lives? Our optical assistants don’t just sell glasses. They’re experts in speaking about eyes and ears. In this role, you’ll offer advice on style, guide our customers through our services and offers and make sure everyone can find a product that’s right for their needs. You’ll be the first face a customer sees and the last point of contact when they leave. And every day is likely to be a little different to the last. If you have optics experience, you could join us as an experienced Optical Assistant. If you don't have optics experience, you could join us as a Trainee Optical Assistant and gain valuable knowledge and experienced while on the job.
What can the role involve?
You’ll find our stores almost everywhere, from the coast to the countryside and the city. Each one as unique as the next, and as passionate about offering the best eyecare and hearing care. So, no two optical assistant roles are the same. For some you might focus on pre-screening – taking customers through their initial tests before they see an optometrist. Or you could be dispensing – helping customers to find the right glasses for their needs. For others, you might be doing some admin or taking calls with customers alongside. It really depends on the size of the store and the team.
What kind of training is there?
From day one, you’ll be guided through your Welcome to Specsavers induction. From here, you’ll start the optical assistant development pathway, where you’ll learn and then practice the skills and behaviours needed to support our customers. You’ll also complete a nationally recognised qualification in dispensing (that’s the part where we sell glasses or contact lenses), equivalent to a Level 3 BTEC. The course will improve your knowledge and understanding of dispensing procedures and provide you with the training to step up into other optical roles, like a dispensing optician or contact lens optician.
Search for roles
Read about how our optical assistants feel about the work they do
Optical Assistant
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Salary
Competitive
Location
Salford, North West, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Salford
Description
So, you’re a proactive people person ready to be the friendly face our stores need? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve had previous optical experience as an Optical Advisor or Dispen
Reference
sf-81879-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
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Optical Assistant
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Salary
Competitive
Location
Stretford, North West, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Stretford
Description
So, you’re a proactive people person ready to be the friendly face our stores need? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve had previous optical experience as an Optical Advisor or Dispen
Reference
sf-81877-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
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Customer Service Advisor
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Salary
Up to £12.41 (Age dependent)
Location
Surbiton, Greater London, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Surbiton
Description
Customer Service Advisor - Surbiton So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve ever considered a ca
Reference
sf-81516-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
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From Optics to Audiology: Kristi’s journey
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Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/09/2025
Summary
Kristi journey from optics to audiology is a reflection of her determination and passion for helping others. Initially working in the Redditch branch of Specsavers, Kristi was intrigued by a career
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From crossroads to clarity
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Teaser
PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/13/2024
Summary
Cat Cooper's journey from Optical Assistant to Optometry PartnerCat Cooper's career path is a testament to resilience and passion. Initially aspiring to study medicine, things took an unexpected turn.
Showing patience and understanding to create a great customer experience
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Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
It’s just all in a day’s work for Apprentice Optical Assistant Chloe, who received some fantastic feedback via social media from a customer after a tricky visit to Specsavers for her son’s first ever
The amazing thing about retail optics is the variation of career paths
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RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
Annaliese Rodriguez Marquez, Optical Assistant, started out as an apprentice in-store straight after leaving school. She tells us her story about how she’s grown, both personally and professionally, a
No optical experience? No problem...
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Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
Many people think you need to know about eye or hearing care to have a retail career at Specsavers. As Natalie Neal from Leicestershire shares, you need nothing more than excellent customer service an