Job Title: Lead Optical Assistant – Bethnal Green (4 days/week)
Location: Bethnal Green, London (E2)
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Salary: £28,000 – £30,000 pro rata (approx. £22,400 – £24,000 for 29 hours)
Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (29 hours per week)
About Us
We are a friendly, independent optician. Our philosophy is simple: patient care comes first. No corporate sales targets. No rushed appointments. Just genuine, high-quality eyecare for our local community.
We are looking for a Lead Optical Assistant to take ownership of our Bethnal Green practice. This is a role for someone who is confident, warm, and capable of working independently.
The Role
You will be responsible for running the dispensary and supporting day-to-day operations alongside the optometrist.
Key Responsibilities
- Advanced dispensing – including varifocals, bifocals, and complex prescriptions
- Frame repairs – screws, nose pads, heat adjustments, and more complex fixes
- NHS voucher processing – accurate, timely, and fully compliant
- Opening and closing the practice independently (key holder)
- Equipment operation – Essilor Neksia 500, tracer, and practice software (refresher provided)
- Supervising and training junior staff
- Stock ordering – frames, lenses, and consumables
- Creating a warm, calm, and welcoming environment for every patient
About You
Essential Requirements
- At least 3–5 years of optical experience in a patient-facing role
- Confident with varifocal dispensing – able to explain options clearly to patients
- Competent with frame repairs – screws, nose pads, heat adjustments
- Warm, calm, and clear communication style
- Able to work independently and take ownership of your work
- Seeking a long-term role in an independent practice
What We Offer
- Competitive salary – £28k–£30k pro rata (£22k–£24k for 29 hours)
- Warm, supportive independent practice – no corporate pressure
- Genuine responsibility – you will be the lead at Bethnal Green
- Staff eyewear discount for you and your family
- Pension scheme
- Opportunity to help shape and grow a developing team
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV and answer the following questions in your cover note or application message:
- What is the most complex repair you have completed recently? Please describe your process.
- How do you explain varifocals to a patient who feels unsure or nervous?
- What appeals to you about working in an independent practice?
Applications without answers to these questions will not be considered.
Practical Test
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short, informal practical test at the practice. You will be asked to:
- Complete a simple frame repair (e.g., tighten a screw or replace a nose pad)
- Talk through how you would dispense a varifocal to a patient
- Demonstrate your welcoming manner in a brief role-play scenario
We are looking for confidence, skill, and approach – not perfection.
About Bleetman's Eyecare Centre
We are a family-run independent optician with a strong reputation in our local community. We believe in doing optics the right way – with care, patience, and professionalism. If that sounds like your kind of place, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, click the "Apply Now" button and send your CV with your answers to the three questions above.
Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- What is the most complex repair you have completed recently? Please describe your process.
- How do you explain varifocals to a patient who feels unsure or nervous?
- What appeals to you about working in an independent practice?
Experience:
- Optical: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
