Optical assistant apprentice Review
at Specsavers
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Durham (County Durham)
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
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
As an Optical Assistant, I provide customer service and support patients throughout their eye care journey. My role involves assisting with frame selection, conducting pre-screening tests, booking appointments, handling patient enquiries, and ensuring accurate records are maintained. I work closely with Opticians and colleagues to deliver a positive customer experience while helping patients find suitable eyewear solutions that meet their needs and lifestyle. Through good customer communication, attention to detail, and product knowledge, I contribute to the smooth and efficient operation of the practice.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love my role as it gives me the opportunity to help people improve their vision and confidence while interacting with a wide variety of customers every day. The role combines customer service, healthcare, and retail, allowing you to build relationships with patients, learn about eye care, and develop specialist product knowledge. What I enjoy most is learning about eye health and the science behind it. Gaining new skills and information is rewarding, and I take pride in applying this knowledge to support patients and provide informed advice. Being able to expand my expertise while helping others makes the role both engaging and fulfilling.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt more about eye health and vision care, and it has enabled me to develop my knowledge and professional skills. Applying this understanding to support patients and contribute to their eye care journey makes the role highly rewarding. I have also gained more confidence in my customer service and communication.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I feel that my programme is very well organised and structured. Using Teams makes it easy to keep track of my learning, resources, and any upcoming meetings. My apprenticeship coach provides me with a manageable amount of work and sets clear deadlines, which helps me stay organised and on track. The structure of the programme allows me to balance my studies alongside my role and my life outside work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. My manager and colleagues are always willing to help and answer any questions I have. My manager is particularly supportive and makes time for one-to-one coaching and guidance, which has really helped me develop my skills and confidence. They ensure that I have enough learning time in store with my apprenticeship work. Everyone encourages my learning and progression, I feel supported while working towards my qualification.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I get a lot of support in my apprenticeship. My apprenticeship coach is always there to help if I have any questions, and everyone at work is really supportive too. My colleagues are always happy to share their knowledge and help me learn new things. My manager is especially supportive and makes time for one-to-one help, which has really helped me build my confidence and develop my skills. Having so many people willing to support me makes learning much easier and more enjoyable.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My apprenticeship has helped me perform better in my role by increasing my knowledge of eye health, vision care, hear care, customer service, and optical products. The training has given me a deeper understanding of the industry, which has improved my confidence when assisting patients and supporting them throughout their eye care journey. It has also helped me develop important professional skills, allowing me to provide better customer service, communicate more effectively, and contribute more confidently to the practice.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
My store is very active within the local community. We have participated in Pride celebrations, attended the Miners' Gala, and hosted Macmillan Coffee Morning fundraising events. These activities demonstrate our commitment to supporting local causes, promoting inclusivity, and building positive relationships within the community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend working here because there are lots of opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Since starting, I have gained an understanding of eye health and the optical industry. I really enjoy learning these new things every day, and it is rewarding to be able to use that knowledge to help patients. The supportive team and opportunities for development make it a great place to work and have helped me feel more knowledgeable and capable in my role.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
My advice to anyone applying to Specsavers would be to be willing to learn and ask questions. There is lots of support available, and you can gain a lot of new knowledge about eye health and optics. If you enjoy helping people and learning new things, it's a great place to work. The role has helped me build my confidence, develop new skills, and become more knowledgeable.
