<h3>Job Requirements</h3><h4>Optical Assistant</h4>Mackey Opticians have opportunities for Trainee Optical Assistants in our practices in Belfast and North Down.<h4>Who we are</h4>Mackey Opticians are a Northern Irish family and partner run Optometrists with fourteen practices across Northern Ireland. We stock the most amazing unique designer eyewear as well as the hottest brands on the high street. We invest in the best clinical equipment including the latest OCT scanners and we provide advanced eye care therapies including ortho-keratology (a non surgical alternative to laser surgery). We also offer an audiology (hearing) service in some of our practices.<h4>What your days will look like</h4>An Optical Assistant helps Practice Managers, Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists provide patient care and, with training, assists Patients in choosing lenses and frames based on their needs and Optometrist recommendations.Your daily routine could vary quite a lot with our range of patient needs and with the various activities needed for a successful high street business. You might be helping maintain the appointment diary, welcoming patients, taking recommendations from an Optometrist, helping patients choose frames and lenses, teaching patients about handling contact lenses, making sure that patient and business records are properly kept, or looking after the presentation of the practice and the display of frames.Overall, it's a busy, worthwhile day, helping people see clearly and choose the right frames and lenses for them.<h4>Prospects</h4>Optical Assistants at Mackey Opticians have progressed to become Practice Managers, Dispensing Opticians (which requires a course of distance learning alongside work) and even Optometrists (which requires full time attendance at University).<h3>Further information</h3>Salary: Competitive salary, commensurate with experienceUp to 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays or days in lieuCompany paid training and an increase in pay on completing an Optical Assistants Course ( <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://abdocollege.org.uk/course/optical-assistant/">https://abdocollege.org.uk/course/optical-assistant/</a> ) Company pension contributionNo Sunday workingJob type; Part-Time (at least 24 hours) to Full-time (40 hours) and PermanentLocation: East Belfast or Portadown<h3>Job Duties</h3>Your training will prepare you for the following responsibilities:<ul><li>Helping the Practice Manager and Optometrists to run day to day clinics, achieve practice testing and sales</li><li>Helping to create an engaging environment for customers, provide exemplary service, manage customer issues and process all customer orders and returns</li><li>Stock and cost control; helping maintain the frame display and merchandise stock, managing stock inventory and orders, conducting stock takes and minimising loss</li><li>Helping customers select suitable eyewear and accurately dispensing single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses Helping customers learn to handle contact lenses</li><li>Performing general reception duties, answer telephone, book appointments and take payments</li><li>Taking active steps to increase business</li><li>Ensuring store is presented cleanly and displayed well</li><li>Carrying out administration tasks (including use of the computerised practice management system) as and when needed</li><li>Attending practice and Head Office training to develop your clinical and dispensing skills</li><li>Reconciling daily sales and lodging cash takings at the bank,</li><li>Promoting the Company values to patients and colleagues by setting a good example</li><li>Ensuring all visual merchandising guidelines and training is adhered and ensure standards are immaculate at all times</li><li>And other tasks as may be needed to maintain a profitable and successful Optometry and Audiology practice,</li></ul><h3>Essential Criteria</h3><ul><li>Self-motivated, enthusiastic and willing to learn</li><li>5 GCSE's at A-C grade (or equivalent) including English and Maths</li><li>Passionate about eyewear and helping customers.</li><li>Good selling skills</li><li>Sound judgement with confident decision-making</li><li>Happy in a busy team; able to accept and offer constructive, effectively and honest feedback</li><li>Able to adapt to frequent improvement in technology and products</li><li>Interested in results and key performance indicators like customer satisfaction ratings or sales</li><li>Experience in using Microsoft office packages</li><li>Numerate - able to understand and operate till (EPOS) systems</li><li>Well presented with a positive, pro-active and professional approach</li><li>Clear and accurate use of English</li><li>A driver's license and access to a car. You may be asked to work at other practices in the group. If this happens mileage for travel to a different practice from your usual practice will be paid for.</li></ul>Education:<ul><li>GCSE or equivalent (required)</li></ul>

Trainee Optical Assistants

DISPENSING OPTICIAN:Build a Rewarding Career in Optics: Join the Mackey Opticians TeamAre you a passionate Dispensing Optician eager to make a difference in people's lives?Mackey Opticians, a leading Northern Irish family-run optometry practice, is always looking for talented individuals to join our growing team.We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can:● Utilize your expertise in dispensing spectacles and ensuring optimal fit and function for patients.● Educate and advise patients on various lens options, contact lens care (if qualified), and overall eye health.● Collaborate with optometrists and other practice staff to deliver exceptional patient care.● Continuously develop your skills and knowledge through our commitment to ongoing training and professional development.The ideal candidate will possess:● A degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing or equivalent qualification● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills● A strong understanding of optics and ophthalmic principles● The ability to work effectively within a team environment● A passion for patient care and delivering exceptional serviceMackey Opticians offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:● Competitive salary commensurate with experience● Up to 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays or days in lieu● Company pension contribution● No Sunday working● Opportunities for career progression within a growing practiceIf you're a Dispensing Optician who thrives in a supportive environment and is passionate about patient care, we encourage you to submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected]We'll contact you to acknowledge receipt of your application and keep your information on file for future opportunities and contact you directly if a suitable position arises.

Dispensing Opticians

Summer VacanciesMackey Opticians have paid Optical Assistant summer vacancies for Optometry Students in 2025.These positions will provide experience of optical dispensing and the day-to-day administration of an independent opticians’ practice.Part time or full time (minimum 24 and up to 40 hours a week), 5 days a week, Monday to Saturday through the summer (July to September) and the option for Saturday work during term time. No Sunday working.This is a position that may lead on to a permanent part-time position while you finish your studies and could lead into pre-reg opportunities with in our company, depending on performance. If you are a current Optometry student, interested in a summer placement, upload your CV and we'll call you to arrange an interview and a visit to one of our practices.

Summer Student Placements

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Trainee Optical Assistants

Dispensing Opticians

Summer Student Placements

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