Health & Safety

• Health & safety at work legislation relevant to the industry
• The safe use of all industry equipment relevant to the role

• Maintain safe working practices at all times
• Identify risks or dangers to self, customers or colleagues

Materials of Frames and lenses

• A wide range of frame and lens material, including features, benefits, visual and material limitations
• The legal requirements of products, the potential allergic reactions they may cause to ensure the best vision, fit and comfort

• Identify, explain, recommend suitable frame and lens materials based on the customers’ needs and requirements
• Clearly explain choices and ensure that health and legal requirements are met

Tools and Equipment

• A wide range of optical tools and equipment
• The uses and limitations of hand tools, quality checking machinery e.g. focimeter, pupilometer, frame heater, double nylon jaw pliers, angling pliers, snipe nose pliers, cutter pliers, nose pad pliers, axis pliers, screwdriver set, non-contact tonometer, auto refractor, visual field screeners

• Confidently and correctly use and explain appropriately to a customer the wide range of tools and equipment within the optical practice
• Take measurements, adjust or repair spectacles e.g. facial measuring tools, frame measurement tools, frame adjustment tools and screening equipment

Quality and Governance

• Employer’s and NHS quality standards for accurate and secure record keeping
• Adherence to British, European standards and industry governance set out by the general optical council e.g. referral to clinical colleagues for support and advice when identifying an ocular emergency, taking measurements, completing a collection for customers within protected named groups (under 16’s partially sighted / blind and complex prescriptions)

• Work to the appropriate company quality standards and systems
• accurately keep records
• Enable relevant timely referrals to clinical colleagues to protect the customer the business and self 

Screening checks

• The screening equipment used, its function and the appropriate language to explain its function within own area of responsibility, knowing when to refer to clinician
• Eye and medical conditions screened for e.g. glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes

• Clearly explain screening checks, the reasons they are done and how the machinery works
• Empathise with customers undergoing screening and be able to communicate reassurance and confidence when needed

Customer interactions, Dispensing, fitting and adjustment of Spectacles

• Customer types and barriers to communication they may face e.g. customers of varying ages, customers with specific communication or mental health needs
• How to adapt questioning and communication to meet customer requirements
• Parts of the eye and how this relates to the makeup of a spectacle prescription
• How a prescription is written and interpreted e.g. myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, visual equity and the effects the prescription has on vision and spectacle lens thickness
• Frame and lens measurements and fitting for prescriptions up to +/- 10 e.g. pupil distances, vertical heights, pantoscopic angles, frontal bow, length to bend, eye size and bridge width, understanding of how to check vision and fit for multiple vision types and the precautionary recommendations to issue to customers on final fitting

• Build rapport and trust with the customer and identify their communication preferences, clearly explain and interpret verbal and written prescription specifications and the effects this has on the eye.
• To explain to the customer the translation of written prescription to finished product
• Use product knowledge and be able to explain how this affects vision and to be able to make recommendations for dispensing of glasses to suit needs and preferences
• Identify suitable fitting frames based on facial and prescription requirements pupil distances, vertical heights, pantoscopic angles, frontal bow length to bend, eye size and bridge width
• How to use tools and equipment in close proximity to the customer which may make the customer feel uncomfortable
• Accurately check vision and take into account how the final fit of the frames can affect someone’s vision
• Fit the final product to ensure ongoing comfort and correct vision.
• Carry out repairs and adjustments on an ongoing basis 

Professionalism

Have a strong professional work ethic, show pride and passion to company and brand values; demonstrate equality and diversity to ensure all customers receive equal care and attention

Self-development

Keep up to date with best practice and emerging technologies within the optical sector, obtain and offer constructive feedback to others, and develop and maintain professional relationships

Safety orientated

Be aware of and adopt the processes and procedures for the safety and well-being of self and others