Optical Assistant Apprentice Review
at Specsavers
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Waterlooville
Review Submitted: September 2026
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
-
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
I assist patients and opticians with sight test administration & diagnostics, then assist the patient with selecting and ordering new spectacles, contact lenses, and accessories/medication.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
It was interesting to learn about optics, and I felt reasonably challenged by the job and the learning requirements.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I knew nothing about optics before starting here, so it is all new to me. There is also a lot of customer interaction in a different way to my previous roles in retail, so I have developed new customer facing skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I was in regular contact with an apprenticeship coach, generally received all the help I needed and the learning time I was entitled to. I knew what I needed to do and when to do it and was offered help when needed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I was given 4 hours of devoted learning time every week, as well as help from my coach, colleagues and managers.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I received all the support I required and knew that further support was available.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I know the theoretical basis to a lot of the skills/information my job requires better than I would do without the apprenticeship.
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 occasional social events to attend.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Compared to other similar roles I have had in the past this job is both less stressful and more rewarding than many. I feel I am developing myself and my career and that my managers take both seriously. Problems where they arise are dealt with in the way I prefer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
To be open to learning a lot fast, and to take the active part in that by asking questions etc and getting involved as much as possible.
