What are the current employment options for opticians?

The future of the eyecare industry is looking bright, with the estimated global eyewear market value for 2030 coming in at 270.8 billion pounds. Opticians are and will continue to be in high demand. You’ve got options when it comes to optical employment such as a dispensing optician, contact lens optician, optometrist, pre-registration and more. 

If you want to make a difference in people’s lives, love working in a team, and want to become an expert in your field, a career in optometry could be for you. At Vision Express, our focus is creating joy in vision for our colleagues and customers, through an expert and trusted eyecare experience. 

Dispensing Optician 

Every day is different for a dispensing optician. As the first point of contact for customers, you will provide a range of services to patients of all ages. From younger patients needing their first pair of glasses to the elderly who are navigating changing vision. 

Communication is key in this role. You’ll take into account a person’s lifestyle, current eye health, and vocational needs to find the best dispensing solution for your customers. 

Dispensing is a great way to kick-start your career in optometry. At Vision Express, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills and expertise so you can take your career to the next level. 

You may want to consider coaching and supervising other dispensing opticians as a next step, or you might have your sights set on doing an accredited conversion course to become a qualified optometrist. Wherever you want to take your career, we will equip you with the self-development tools you need to get there. 

Contact Lens Optician 

Contact lens opticians typically thrive in busy environments and possess a great knowledge of optical products and best current practices. 

You won’t be left to your own devices to stay current on best practices. We are here to help. We host eyecare professional conferences so you can continue to learn and develop in your role. You’ll also be able to gain CPD points at these conferences.

Working closely with store managers, you’ll ensure your customers have the best eye care experience, whether you are looking at eye comfort or eye health. 

At Vision Express, everyone shapes our success as a business. As a contact lens optician, you’ll be making a positive impact on our customers’ lives by providing a personalised customer experience so they can see clearly and comfortably. 

If you enjoy moving around, working with different people and teams, and across various locations, then a role as a mobile contact lens optician could be perfect for you. 

Pre-registration 

Our pre-registration programme comes highly recommended with 90% of our students passing the first time. You’ll be putting your optometry skills to the test and working towards your OSCE examination. 

We offer bespoke training based on your learning style and match you with a supervisor who will be there to support you at every stage of your pre-registration year. We want you to be prepared for the exam and have everything you need to fully qualify. 

This is why we host mock OSCE examinations and interview days so you can practice ahead of time and won’t have any surprises on the actual day. After all, practice makes perfect. 

Optometrist 

As an optometrist, you’ll play a crucial role in diagnosing complex eye conditions and advising on the right contact lens to suit your customers’ lifestyles. You’ll take the time to get to know your customer to deliver a trusted and personalised eyecare experience. 

If you enjoy travelling and moving around the region, make your role mobile. As a mobile optometrist, you’ll be delivering complete care for our customers across the region and spending your days supporting our team. 

Or, if you enjoy managing teams, consider an optometrist store manager role where you’ll be creating an environment where your team can win together through support and development. 

Every colleague has a voice at Vision Express and every voice is listened to. We know you shape our success and we celebrate that. You’ll be recognised for your achievements, big or small. 

Make a difference 

Whether you are just starting your career in optometry or are looking for a change, Vision Express offers a supportive environment where you can thrive. With excellent progression opportunities to grow and develop your skills and ambitious colleagues and leaders, achieving your career goals will be exciting. Optical employment opportunities can be very fulfilling. 

Join our team and make a difference in people’s lives through personalised eyecare.