Apprentice Optical Assistant
Vision Express Limited · Sutton Coldfield · posted 23 July 2026
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At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in our culture and values. We provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.
Looking for a unique retail apprenticeship opportunity. Join us at Vision Express on an 18-month program where you'll earn a level 3 qualification in Optical Retail while receiving comprehensive training and support.
This isn't your typical retail apprenticeship. As part of our team, you'll have more responsibility and involvement, playing a vital role in ensuring our customers feel special. With guidance from your store manager and our apprenticeship team, you'll learn the ins and outs of bringing our brand to life, selecting the right products, and delivering personalized experiences.
As an Optical Apprentice, you'll assist customers in finding eyewear that suits their needs, handle frame adjustments, repairs, fittings, and even perform pre-screening eye examinations and administrative tasks.
Where it leads
The successful candidate will work towards achieving a Level 3 qualification in optical and gain experience in a busy optical practice.
Upon completion of the Level 3 qualification, you will be an experienced and qualified optical assistant, and as such, you can continue building up skills that will always be in demand. Career breaks and part time working are often possible.
You could go on to acquire higher level optical qualifications such as:
- Ophthalmic Dispensing- Become a qualified Dispensing Optician
- Contact lens Optician- fit Contact lenses
- Low vision specialist- help people where traditional spectacles will not suffice. Supply low vision aids, magnifiers, advice on improving contrast and on other non-Optical aids such as bump-ons
- Optometry courses- carry out full eye examinations and issue prescriptions
- Clinical representative- visiting practices introducing new frame ranges and Ophthalmic lenses
- In-practice trainer- You could use your knowledge to train others
Other non-clinical roles:
- Practice Management you could complete a management course
- Practice ownership, you could go into business yourself, partnership or franchise
About Vision Express Limited
Vision Express opened their first opticians over thirty years ago in Gateshead. Today they have over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland.
At Vision Express, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment where everyone works together toward shared goals, rooted in their culture and values. They provide ample opportunities for growth and development, supporting your career ambitions every step of the way.
Things to consider
Please do not contact the company directly. Please note- we reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a suitable number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply as soon as possible if you wish to be considered for this role.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade Grade 4/C or above) — essential
- GCSE Maths (grade Grade 4/C or above) — essential
Where you'll work
- Vision Express, The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PA
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