Optical Practice Support
Modern Apprenticeship
What's Optical Practice Support like?
Learn how to provide great patient-focussed care everyday with an Optical Practice Support apprenticeship. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to provide advice and assistance to customers about their eye wear needs.
You’ll be a core part of a team in an optical workplace while also focusing on your development and confidence. With this apprenticeship, you’ll provide key information and advice to customers, helping them select the best product or service to to help them see as well as look and feel better about themselves
An as Optical Practice Support apprentice, you’ll also work with an Optometrist to ensure you follow optical regulation and governance. You’ll book appointments, adjust and repair spectacles and respond to any complaints or concerns. You’ll also stay up to date with new lines and promotions in your workplace, so you’re always providing patients with the most recent information.
You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5.
Optical Practice Support at SCQF Level 5
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to:
Establish and maintain working relationships in an optical practice
Provide optical information and advice
Maintain records
Sell optical products
Provide optical services
Contribute to health and safety in the workplace
You also learn these core skills:
Communication
Working with others
Problem solving
Information and communication technology
Numeracy
These transferable skills can be used for different jobs in a retail environment.
Further study: Choose to increase your knowledge through different courses. You could study Ophthalmics at college or at degree level. Your experience will support your college or university application.
Straight to work: Use your qualification and find a job in the optical sector. Some are listed below:
Dispensing assistant
Optical assistant
Contact lens assistant
Optical retail receptionist
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this apprenticeship.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or another learning provider.
How long will it take?
This apprenticeship takes between 12 to 18 months to complete.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.