Trainee Dispensing Optician - Hempstead Valley in Gillingham

ROLE: Trainee Dispensing Optician

LOCATION: Hempstead Valley

Vacancy closes: 2/5/26

JOB PURPOSE

To contribute to the achievement of the highest standards of customer service and professional advice by offering first class dispensing practices and customer care at all times. To achieve qualification as a G.O.C. registered dispensing optician via blended learning, which is a combination of distance learning, block release, and practice-based learning.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all dispensing requirements in line with supervisor’s instructions, which can include prescription analysis, advising on lens type, styling frames, and taking frame, facial, and lens measurements.
• Carry out repairs, adjustments, and fittings in line with supervisory instruction.
• Check new jobs into the branch as required.
• Process all invoices and credit notes as received.
• Chase outstanding orders and advise customers of delays.
• Provide administrative back-up where necessary to the branch team, including cashing up, processing vouchers, overseeing daily envelope and contact lens ordering.
• Enter stock when received on the computer system.
• Promote products and services and maximise the opportunity to sell sunglasses and accessories.
• Perform stocktaking, including the preparation of information and accurately recording branch stock.
• Order stock as required, using accurate forms and procedures.
• Deal with all other tasks as directed, including assisting other members of the practice team.
• Complete the required study materials and attend college as directed by ABDO.
• Process all marked coursework and send it to the training manager.
• Act as a keyholder.
• Work within professional guidelines, legal requirements, and G.O.C. (General Optical Council) regulations.
• In own time, supervised practical experience in the work environment, and attending vocational training as selected by the company, some of which will be on a residential basis.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Keen interest in Ophthalmic Dispensing.
• Confident about working within a team.
• Commercially aware, and happy to offer the customer what they need.
• Dedicated to exemplary patient service to ensure patient satisfaction.
• Excellent communication skills, with empathy and patience.
• Desire to do, see and enjoy a job well done.
• Ability to commit to 10-15 hours per week for distance learning coursework.
• Ability to attend two block release periods per year at ABDO College in Godmersham, Kent.
• Ability to undertake full-time training while completing the programme.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• 5 GCSEs at Grades 4–9 (A–C) including English, Mathematics, and Science OR 5 years optical experience with A-C in Maths & English.
• A keen interest in Ophthalmic Dispensing.

Please attach your GCSE certificates below if applicable.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Off site/training.
• Distance learning (32 assignment units of coursework per academic year) requires 10–15 hours of your own time per week.
• Regularly attend practice meetings outside of working hours.
• Stocktaking outside working hours, if appropriate.
• Late finishes and Saturday working when appropriate.
• To work at locations as directed by the company.