Optical Assistant

Optical Assistant

Part-Time 23040 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Royal National Institute of Blind People

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support patients with visual impairments and assist clinicians in a dynamic clinic environment.
  • Company: Join RNIB, a leading organisation dedicated to improving lives of those with sight loss.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, enhanced family benefits, and discounts at over 800 retailers.
  • Other info: Be part of a positive culture focused on teamwork and patient-centred care.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an optical assistant and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 23040 - 28000 £ per year.

We are recruiting an enthusiastic optical assistant who will be an integral part of our team at the Low Vision Centre. Someone who likes to work with people and would like a chance to make a difference in the lives of people who are living with visual impairment or learning disabilities.

The role is varied and always patient‑centred. You will provide administrative expertise as well as practical support including some delegated clinical tests. You will support clinicians in clinic and on home visits, ensuring the smooth running of the diary and liaising between key stakeholders of this service such as RNIB and our rehabilitation officer colleagues.

You will have a strong understanding of patient‑centred care and a genuine passion for improving the quality of life for people living with sight loss or learning disabilities. You’ll bring excellent communication skills and experience working as an optical assistant in a busy clinic environment. You will also have solid administrative experience, with confidence using patient management systems and productivity tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

You’ll understand the importance of teamwork and play an active role in supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of the optical service. As we develop a Centre of Excellence, you will play a key role in helping people with visual impairment access the support and services they need. You will be central to creating an accessible, welcoming environment, supporting patients to engage with available resources and making the most of our demonstration facilities.

What We Offer

RNIB prides itself on being a great place to work with a positive, progressive culture. We offer 27 days of holiday per year (plus bank holidays) which rise with service, enhanced family‑friendly benefits, a contributory pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 11% and a rewards platform with employee discounts across over 800 retailers.

Optical Assistant employer: Royal National Institute of Blind People

At RNIB, we are dedicated to creating a positive and progressive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those living with visual impairments. Located in the heart of London, our Low Vision Centre offers a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while enjoying generous benefits such as 27 days of holiday, enhanced family-friendly policies, and a robust pension scheme. Join us in our mission to provide exceptional patient-centred care and be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation.

Royal National Institute of Blind People

Contact Details:

Royal National Institute of Blind People Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Optical Assistant

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

Patient-Centred Care
Communication Skills
Administrative Expertise
Clinical Testing Support
Diary Management
Stakeholder Liaison
Teamwork

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 Royal National Institute of Blind People, 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 Royal National Institute of Blind People

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 Royal National Institute of Blind People.

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 Royal National Institute of Blind People.

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 Royal National Institute of Blind People can really resonate with interviewers and show your commitment to the field.