We are recruiting for Dispensing Optician jobs in Southampton, offering a hands-on training position designed for candidates looking to advance their optical career. This is a full-time opportunity based in Southampton, South East, providing a structured pathway to professional registration while you gain practical experience in a dynamic practice environment.
What you'll be doing
You will support the practice team by delivering exceptional patient care and professional advice. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Performing all dispensing requirements under supervision, including prescription analysis, advising on lens types, styling frames, and taking accurate facial and lens measurements
- Carrying out repairs, adjustments, and fittings in line with supervisory instructions
- Managing branch administration, such as processing invoices, checking in new jobs, chasing outstanding orders, and managing contact lens ordering
- Promoting optical products and services, maximising sales opportunities for sunglasses and accessories
- Undertaking stock control duties, including stocktaking, entering new stock on the computer system, and placing orders using standard procedures
- Acting as a keyholder and assisting the wider branch team with general practice tasks
- Working within professional guidelines, legal requirements, and General Optical Council regulations
What we're looking for
To be considered for these Dispensing Optician vacancies, candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development and patient care. The essential entry criteria include:
- 5 GCSEs at Grades 4–9 (A–C) including English, Mathematics, and Science, OR 5 years of optical experience with A–C in Maths and English
- A keen interest in Ophthalmic Dispensing and a desire to deliver exemplary patient satisfaction
- Excellent communication skills, featuring empathy and patience when dealing with customers
- Commercial awareness and confidence in working collaboratively within a team
- Ability to commit 10–15 hours per week of your own time for distance learning coursework (32 assignment units per academic year)
- Ability to attend two block release periods per year at college in Godmersham, Kent
- Ability to undertake full-time training and complete the blended learning programme combining distance learning, block release, and practice-based learning
Salary and benefits
- Full-time contract with regular practice hours
- Structured pathway to qualification as a G.O.C.-registered dispensing optician through a recognised blended learning format
Please note that this training programme includes specific working conditions:
- Off-site and distance learning requiring 10–15 hours of independent study per week
- Regular attendance at practice meetings outside of working hours
- Participation in stocktaking outside normal working hours, where appropriate
- Late finishes and Saturday working as required by the practice rota
- Flexibility to work at alternative locations as directed