Sometimes required to work in hospitals, doctor's surgeries or in private clinics, the optician will handle patients of all ages and must adapt to the relevant situations. Liaising with vision care specialists and product suppliers, the optometrist will also be required to meet sales targets.
With at least five GCSEs and three A levels, and a pass in the three-year full-time optician programme, the candidate will be able to perform examinations, eye tests and prescribe spectacles and corrective lenses to the patient. The role requires excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to detect any signs of disease, injury, defects, abnormality and problems with patients' eyes.
Other duties such as managing staff, training junior opticians, planning and developing a practice and managing the retail side of the company will also be required. Annual salaries range from £15,200 to £38,400, although there is usually a good bonus scheme available, depending on the practice or clinic.