Potential earnings
£37,654.25
Dispensing opticians supply, fit and service spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids in accordance with a prescription from an optician or optometrist.
Main tasks
- Fits spectacles and advises patient on lens care and any other difficulties likely to be experienced.
- Ensures that completed spectacles conform to specification and fit the patient correctly and comfortably.
- Prepares detailed instructions for workshop.
- Advises patient on lens type and choice of spectacle frames.
- Interprets prescription and measures patient’s face to determine distance between pupil centres, height of bridge of nose, etc..
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£25,361.25
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Clerical
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 6% |
| Level 2 | 24% |
| Level 3 | 18% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 5% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 47% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
