lab technician Review
at Specsavers
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Hemel Hempstead
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
blocking lenses, using the focimeter to check the lens prescription, admin work, unpacking delivery and putting frames and lenses with their assigned job tray, corresponding between our store and our partener one, communicating between the lab and store, contacting patients when their glasses are ready, cutting and fitting lenses.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have loved my program, it was a completely new area of study and work for me so I have learnt alot. I have been supported every step of the way, with guidance in both theory and practical elements of the job
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
how to read a lens prescription
using a focimeter
technical language and vocab used in optics
how to cut and fit lenses
different types of lenses and multifocals
developed communication and organisation skills
developed maths with optic specific equations
using a focimeter
technical language and vocab used in optics
how to cut and fit lenses
different types of lenses and multifocals
developed communication and organisation skills
developed maths with optic specific equations
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised, at every step I knew what was expected of me and what would happen next. I had the layout of the course explained at the start. As I progressed my coaches, manager and I communicated together to structure my learning to have theory and practical coincide nicely.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Plenty, it was made sure that I always got my allotted study hours and had materials needed provided. My dyslexia was discussed early on and accommodations provided.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Plenty, I had open communication with my coaches so when I had questions or needed something clarifying I got answers and guidance quickly as well as regular check ins and meetings to make sure my sure I was progressing as expected and gave me opportunities to ask for help if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It helps tremendously. I know so much more now and am better able to communicate with my colleges. As my experience in the lab has grown I am able to problem solve and have a better understanding of optics as a whole.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are some groups within Specsavers including one for lab staff across the company that I have joined, I have also been spoken to about becoming an apprentice ambassador which I am looking into. I was also given the opportunity to be interviewed on live stream for the top 100 apprenticeships last year which was an amazing experience.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
My learning and work has been very supported and I have been made to feel like part to the team in store. I find my work fulfilling and would encourage anyone with an interest in it to pursue it.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
Optics is very interesting and if you have a passion for learning and doing well you'll find so many people around you that want to support you. Ask questions even if you think it's silly as I have found people here to be more than willing to take to to explain things.
