Optical Assistant / Trainee Optical Dispenser
Optomise Eyecare | Eye Care at Home
Location: Newtownards based but working across NI
Position: Full-time – Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Experience: Optical experience preferred but not essential
Training: Specialist optical dispensing training and professional development provided
About Optomise Eyecare
Established in 1999, Optomise Eyecare is an independent, locally owned eyecare provider specialising in delivering professional eye examinations and optical services to patients in their own homes, residential homes and nursing homes throughout Northern Ireland.
Our team is committed to making high-quality eyecare accessible to people who may struggle to visit a traditional optical practice, including older people, patients with reduced mobility and individuals living with dementia.
As we continue to grow and develop our services, we are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated person to join us in an exciting new role.
An Opportunity to Develop Your Career
We are looking for an Optical Assistant / Trainee Optical Dispenser who wants to develop specialist skills, take on new responsibilities and become an important part of our expanding dispensing service.
This is not simply a traditional optical assistant position.
We are offering the successful candidate the opportunity to receive dedicated training and practical experience in optical dispensing, with the aim of developing the knowledge, confidence and independence needed to support patients with their eyewear in their own homes and care environments.
You will initially work closely with our experienced optical team, gaining an understanding of all aspects of dispensing, from spectacle prescriptions and lens selection to frame fitting, adjustments and aftercare.
As your knowledge and practical skills develop, you will progress towards managing your own domiciliary dispensing appointments, building relationships with patients and care providers, and helping us develop and improve our growing service.
We are looking for someone who wants to grow with Optomise and take real ownership of their role.
What You'll Be Doing
Optical Dispensing and Patient Care
- Visiting patients in their own homes, residential homes and nursing homes throughout Northern Ireland.
- Helping patients choose appropriate spectacle frames and lenses, taking account of their prescription, lifestyle and individual requirements.
- Learning to interpret spectacle prescriptions and understand different lens designs, materials and coatings.
- Undertaking dispensing measurements, spectacle fitting and adjustments following appropriate training.
- Providing spectacle deliveries, fittings, repairs and aftercare appointments.
- Offering clear, honest and appropriate advice on eyewear choices.
- Identifying patients who require additional professional support and referring them to the appropriate member of the optical team.
- Ensuring every patient receives a friendly, respectful and personalised service.
Supporting Patients with Additional Needs
Many of our patients have more complex needs, and we recognise that successful domiciliary dispensing requires patience, understanding and flexibility.
You will receive support and specialist training in:
- Dementia awareness and dementia-friendly communication.
- Supporting older patients and people with limited mobility.
- Understanding common eye conditions and age-related visual changes.
- Adapting your communication to patients with different abilities and needs.
- Working sensitively with families, carers and healthcare professionals.
- Understanding the importance of comfort, practicality and suitability when recommending eyewear.
Our focus is always on providing the right care for the individual. This means recognising that new spectacles are not necessarily appropriate for every patient and putting their wellbeing before any commercial consideration.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a friendly, caring and professional approach.
- Enjoys working with people and building positive relationships.
- Is patient and understanding, particularly when supporting older or vulnerable patients.
- Is enthusiastic about learning specialist optical dispensing skills.
- Is organised, reliable and comfortable managing their own workload.
- Has strong attention to detail and takes pride in their work.
- Is confident communicating with patients, families, carers and colleagues.
- Is capable of working independently as well as within a wider team.
- Is motivated to take on additional responsibilities as their knowledge develops.
- Holds a full UK driving licence and is comfortable travelling throughout Northern Ireland.
Previous experience in any of the following would be beneficial:
- Optical assistant or optical retail roles.
- Spectacle dispensing, fitting or adjustment.
- Healthcare or patient-facing services.
- Domiciliary care, residential or nursing home environments.
- Working with older people or individuals living with dementia.
- Customer service roles requiring strong communication and personal responsibility.
You do not need to be a qualified dispensing optician to apply.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have the right attitude, a genuine interest in learning and the desire to build a long-term career with Optomise.
What We Can Offer You
- The opportunity to join an established, locally owned Northern Ireland eyecare business trusted since 1999.
- Specialist training in optical dispensing, supported by experienced optical professionals.
- Hands-on experience and ongoing opportunities to develop your knowledge.
- A clear pathway towards greater responsibility and independence.
- The opportunity to help shape and expand an important part of our service.
- A varied role combining technical optical skills, patient care and relationship building.
- The satisfaction of making a genuine difference to patients who may otherwise struggle to access eyecare.
- A supportive working environment that values initiative, compassion and professional development.
Why Join Optomise?
At Optomise, we know the difference that good eyecare can make to someone's everyday life.
For some patients, the right pair of glasses means being able to read again, enjoy their favourite television programme or see loved ones more clearly.
For others, our visits provide reassurance, professional support and access to care that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.
We are looking for someone who understands the importance of both the clinical and personal sides of eyecare and who wants to become part of a team making a meaningful difference throughout Northern Ireland.
If you're looking for the opportunity to develop specialist skills, progress your career and contribute to a growing service, we'd like to hear from you.
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