Job Description

? Join Our Team as a Receptionist / Optical Assistant! ?

Are you friendly, organised, and passionate about helping people? We are looking for a caring and confident Receptionist/Optical Assistant to become the welcoming face and voice of our community-focused Opticians practice.

As the first point of contact for our patients--whether in person or over the phone--you will help shape their experience from start to finish. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in a healthcare setting, supporting patients who may be nervous about their vision or general eye health.

What the Role Involves:

This is a varied and hands-on position where no two days look the same. Your responsibilities will include:

Front of House & Patient Care

Greeting every patient warmly and professionally Answering calls, responding to enquiries, and booking appointments using our practice software Maintaining accurate digital records Supporting our Optometrist and Dispenser with smooth clinic flow

Administrative & Retail Duties

Opening and closing the practice and handling daily cashing up Managing stock, supplies, orders, and equipment Carrying out small spectacle repairs and adjustments General housekeeping to keep the practice running at its best

Clinic Days:

Work closely with the clinical team to ensure the practice runs efficiently--supporting patients, processing NHS claims, handling payments, and managing incoming enquiries.

Non-Clinic Days:

Take ownership of the practice environment: managing patient reminder letters, checking and verifying spectacle orders, dispensing and adjusting eyewear, completing administrative tasks, and maintaining practice standards.

Flexibility & Mobility:

We are part of a group of friendly local practices, and while this role is based at one primary site, we would love someone who is comfortable being mobile and happy to occasionally cover at our nearby branches (with notice).

This provides valuable variety in your working week and gives you the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues across the group -- further enhancing your skills, confidence, and knowledge.

Who We're Looking For:

You will be:

Well presented, approachable and confident with people Calm under pressure and comfortable multitasking A clear, professional communicator with a strong telephone manner Computer-proficient across Microsoft Office, Excel, and digital systems
Optical experience is beneficial, but not essential. Full in-house training can be provided for the right person.

Training & Development Opportunities:

We are committed to helping our team grow! If you're eager to learn, you can undertake bespoke in-house training, allowing you to:

Discuss patient needs and lifestyle requirements Recommend lenses, frames and lens options Accurately measure and fit eyewear Prepare and manage spectacle orders Use a Digital Focimeter to verify prescriptions Become a confident dispenser and key member of the practice team
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys learning new skills and wants a long-term career in optics.

Working Hours:

Days:

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Plus:

1 in every 4 Saturdays (on rotation)

Hours:

9:00am - 5:15pm (1-hour unpaid lunch break, 1pm-2pm)

Average:

23.5 hours per week

Flexibility:

Extra hours available for weekend or holiday cover

Essential Experience:

Strong computer skills Confident working with cloud-based systems, Microsoft Excel, NHS web portals and digital filing
If you love working with people, enjoy variety in your day, and want to be part of a supportive, patient-focused practice, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 12.25 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Work Location: In person