At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients with low vision through admin, repairs, and fitting spectacles.
- Company: Join the RNIB Low Vision Centre in vibrant London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers individuals with low vision.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths; experience as an optical assistant preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23040 - 23040 £ per year.
Location: London, Kings Cross
Salary: £23,040 per year (£28,000 full time equivalent)
Working Hours: Mon, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5pm
Employment Type: Permanent, Part time
Closing Date: 25 June 2026
The optical assistant will be responsible for reception and administration duties for the low vision centre including booking appointments, liaising with patients, ordering optical supplies and invoicing, and preparing and sending reports. They will also be responsible for minor repairs and adjustments of spectacles for service users. They will carry out dispensing and spectacle fitting for non‑regulated patient groups and under supervision for regulated patient groups. The optical assistant will also be involved in providing some pre‑screening tests.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional, efficient and accurate administrative support for the low vision service.
- Provide reception duties for the low vision service including booking and managing appointments, managing the calls into the service, liaising between the patients and the optometrists, liaising with key stakeholders such as the sensory needs team from social services.
- Assist on home visits to patients who are unable to attend the centre of low vision appointments, including supporting the optometrist at the home visit and ensuring all the required paperwork and equipment is organised before, during and after the visit.
- Carry out minor repairs, adjustments, dispensing and fitting of spectacles as appropriate within the regulations of the Opticians Act 1989.
- Be responsible for ordering and invoicing as well as sending out orders to patients.
- Provide administrative support for the team meetings and training days, including minute taking and circulating resources and paperwork.
- Represent the low vision service at local patient and carers events when necessary, and be actively involved in promoting patient referral pathways into the service.
- Provide administrative and practical support for research carried out at the low vision service.
- Provide administrative support for student training days at the low vision service.
- Process confidential medical reports in a professional and timely manner.
- Carry out delegated clinical tests when appropriate under supervision.
- Undertake any other duties as required for the role.
Person Specifications
Qualifications Required
- Essential: English and Maths GCSE, Level 4-9 or A-C.
- Desirable: Optical assistant apprenticeship qualification.
Skills And Experience Required
- Experience of working as an optical assistant including carrying out minor spectacle repairs, spectacle fitting and clinic diary management.
- Experience of administrative work including the ability to use Microsoft Office software (Teams, Excel and Word).
- Experience of using an optical practice database software.
- Experience of working with the general public.
- Knowledge of low vision services and working with people who have special needs.
May be required to travel and attend meetings and training as required. This may involve occasional overnight stays.
Optical assistant, RNIB Low Vision Centre employer: Association of British Dispensing Opticians
At RNIB Low Vision Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Optical Assistants. Located in the vibrant Kings Cross area of London, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as flexible working hours and opportunities to engage with the community. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with low vision while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
Association of British Dispensing Opticians Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical assistant, RNIB Low Vision Centre
✨Dive into Professional Networks
Check out local professional associations in health sciences. They often host networking events where you can meet people already working in the field and may even hear about part-time opportunities before they’re advertised!
✨Tap into Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still studying or recently graduated, don’t forget to make the most of your university’s career services. They frequently post part-time openings and may even know of some tailored for health sciences students.
✨Volunteer for Extra Experience
Consider volunteering at healthcare facilities or community health organisations. It’s a great way to gain relevant experience, build your network, and may lead directly to part-time job offers. Plus, it looks fantastic on your CV!
✨Search for Local Job Boards
Keep an eye on local job boards and websites specific to healthcare administration in your area. Sites filled with local job openings can offer part-time positions that might fly under the radar but could be perfect for you to jump into!
We think you need these skills to ace Optical assistant, RNIB Low Vision Centre
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV to the Health Sciences Field:When you're applying for a part-time role in health sciences administration at Association of British Dispensing Opticians, make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the healthcare sector. Include any internships or volunteer work in health settings, and showcase skills like organisation, communication, and familiarity with healthcare regulations. This will help us see how you fit into the team right from the get-go!
Highlight Your Administrative Skills:In the health sciences arena, administrative skills are crucial. Make sure to showcase experiences where you managed schedules, maintained records, or supported healthcare professionals in their tasks. Be specific about the tools and tools or software you’ve used, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
Emphasise Your Learning Mindset:For a part-time role like this, we’re looking for someone eager to learn and grow. Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your motivation for getting into health sciences administration. Share your career goals and what excites you about this field—passion often makes a lasting impression!
Apply Through Our Website!:Don't forget to complete your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you get all the relevant updates. Plus, we’ve streamlined the process to make it as smooth as possible—you've got this!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of British Dispensing Opticians
✨Show Off Your Organisation Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key! Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and prioritise your work. Maybe share a story from your past where you successfully managed a heavy workload or improved a process – it’ll show how you can handle the part-time role effectively at Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Software
You’ll likely be using specific health administration software, so get familiar with tools like Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems or practice management software. If you’ve had experience with any of these, be sure to highlight that during your interview, it’ll set you apart from other candidates.
✨Display Your Flexibility and Availability
Since this is a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you plan to manage your time effectively. It’s crucial for employers to see that you're flexible and can fit into their schedule – be proactive in demonstrating your readiness to adapt to their needs at Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Healthcare
Express your genuine interest in health sciences and how you want to contribute to the wellbeing of the community. Sharing a personal story or motivation that led you to apply for this specific role at Association of British Dispensing Opticians can really resonate with interviewers and show your commitment to the field.
