Are you looking to write your perfect Optical Assistant CV?
Optical assistants play a crucial role in providing support to optometrists and ensuring the smooth operation of optical practices.
Whether you’re just starting your career in optometry or looking to advance in this field, a well-crafted CV is the key to landing your dream job. To win interviews, your CV should effectively showcase your qualifications, relevant experience and notable achievements.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete step-by-step guide, valuable tips and examples to help you craft a brilliant CV that will impress employers.
1 Crown Street Long Load TA10 0UP Mob: 078 3623 3443 Email: [email protected]
Personal profile statement
I am a dedicated, hardworking and multi-skilled (Graduate) Optical Assistant who is full of energy and always has a big smile on my face. I have an in-depth knowledge of this field as I’ve done my University studies in this area and my previous work experience is also in-line with my education. This has put me in an excellent position to not only understand the theoretical aspects of Optometry but also to put into practice what I have learned.
Achievements
Graduated with a 2:1 degree with a Professional Placement (University)
Record number of sales in the second month I was employed (Specsavers)
Education
2007 – 2011
BSc Optometry and Vision Science
Cardiff University
Classification: [2:1]
Relevant Modules:
Optometric Dispensing (66%)
Geometrical and Visual Optics (70%)
Physiology of Vision (59%)
Visual Perception (81%)
Final Year Project (67%)
2005 – 2007 Results: English: A Maths: C Business: B
A Levels
Crayford West Academy
Work experience
Mar 2013 – Present
Optical Assistant Crayford Eyecare Centre
Main duties performed:
Dispensing and fitting spectacles, contact lenses and vision aids
Dealing with prescriptions written by GPs and Optometrists
Advising patients on the various types of lenses and spectacle frames (e.g. style, weight, colour, brand, material, durability, etc.)
Conducting full eye health screenings
Selling products and handling cash
General Admin duties (filing, handling posts, etc.)
Dealing with customer concerns, complaints and compliments
Maintaining product displays for sales purposes
Utilising the newly introduced digital retinal screening service
Managing the store in the absence of the Manager
Fitting and adjusting glasses
Updating and cleaning frames
Answering and making phone calls (patients, general public, staff, etc.)
Liaising with the head office team
Making appointments and recording them properly in the diary
Performing simple diagnostic consultations
Sending reminder and recall letters
Taking orders and processing them appropriately
Filling out NHS Forms for patients who are eligible for free services
Providing customer aftercare
Nov 2012 – Jan 2013
Optical Advisor Specsavers Leeds
Main duties performed:
Advising patients and customers on glasses and sunglasses
Dispensing of glasses and contact lenses to customers of all ages
Pre-screening patients before eye examinations
Cleaning and repairing glasses
Opening and closing of the premises in the absence of the Store Supervisor
Stock control and ordering
Dealing with enquiries: face-to-face, over the telephone and through email
Arranging and booking appointments
Checking orders from the delivery
Providing customer aftercare and follow-ups
Ensuring all shelves were clean and filled
Adhering to Health & Safety regulations and company policies at all times
Qualifications
2-weeks training in the use of optometry machines and instruments
Emergency First Aid at Work
Skills
Knowledge of Laser and Intraocular lens (IOL) procedures
Expert in pre-test machinery
Excellent customer service skills
IT Skills (use of spreadsheets, databases, word processing, etc.)
Theoretical and practical knowledge of optometry
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends. I also attend the gym on a regular basis and love going to the park for cycling. I’m also keeping myself productive by reading self-help books and watching documentaries.
The personal details section is clear and concise, including the candidate’s full name, contact information and professional email address. It does not contain any unnecessary personal information, such as date of birth or marital status.
The personal statement is tailored to the optical assistant role and the specific practice they are applying to.
The CV has a clear and logical structure, starting with a personal statement, followed by achievements, education, relevant experience and additional skills and interests.
The CV is concise and does not contain unnecessary details or lengthy paragraphs. It does not exceed the maximum length of two pages.
Keep it concise: Avoid lengthy paragraphs; use short, concise sentences and bullet points to convey your qualifications and experience effectively. Remember, there is a limit on how many pages your CV can be.
Follow a logical sequence: Organise your CV in a logical sequence, starting with contact information and ending with references (if required).
Opt for a legible font size: Use a font size of 10-12 for the main body text and 14-16 for section headings to ensure readability.
Consistency in formatting: Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your CV, from margins to line spacing.
Save in PDF format: When sending your CV electronically, save it as a PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and systems.
The personal details section of a CV is where you share your basic identification information, such as your name, contact details and address. Employers will use these details to identify you and contact you regarding your job application.
This section should contain a brief summary of your career goals, key skills and what you can offer to the employer, all in a few lines to grab their attention. Consider it as an introduction statement to your CV.
Experienced Optical Assistant with a proven track record in providing exceptional patient care, conducting precise eye tests, and offering expert guidance on eyewear selection. Proficient in managing patient records and ensuring a seamless patient experience. Committed to enhancing vision health and satisfaction, as evidenced by a 15% increase in eyewear sales in my previous role.
Achievements
Your achievements section should include things like awards, promotions, impressive grades or certifications and any other accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication to your work. It’s a powerful way to grab an employer’s attention and show them what you’re capable of.
Example:
Achieved the “Optical Assistant of the Year” award for exceptional patient care.
Consistently met or exceeded monthly sales targets, resulting in a 20% sales increase.
Promoted to the role of Lead Optical Assistant, responsible for overseeing daily operations.
Achieved top scores in optometry exams, consistently ranking in the top 5% of students.
Employment & work history
In the employment section of your CV, you want to provide a clear and concise account of your work history.
Start with your most recent position and work backwards, listing job titles, company names, dates of employment and your key responsibilities and achievements in each role.
Use strong action verbs to describe your tasks and focus on how your contributions positively impacted your previous employers. This helps potential employers understand your professional journey and how you can add value to their organisation.
January 2019 – Present
Optical Assistant VisionCare Optometry
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Assisted in conducting comprehensive eye tests and pre-screening assessments, ensuring precise data collection and patient comfort.
Managed frame selection and eyewear fittings, consistently enhancing the patient’s eyewear experience.
Contributed to a 25% increase in eyewear sales by providing expert guidance and recommendations to customers.
Maintained accurate and organised patient records, contributing to a more efficient and organized practice.
Managing patient records and ensuring their accuracy.
Providing expert guidance on eyewear products.
Measuring and recording visual acuity.
Administering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
Assisting in the maintenance and calibration of ophthalmic equipment.
Educating patients on proper eyewear care and maintenance.
Handling administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling and billing.
Collaborating with optometrists and other team members to ensure a smooth patient experience.
Education
The education section of your CV contains details about your academic qualifications, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and the institutions where you obtained them. It provides a snapshot of your educational background.
Example:
September 2017 – June 2021
Degree in Optometry
University of Vision Health
Degree classification: 2:1.
Subjects studied:
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
Optical Dispensing
Visual Optics
Contact Lens Practice
Low Vision Management
Clinical Optometry
September 2015 – June 2017 Results: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Mathematics (B).
A-Levels
Hillside College
Professional qualifications
The professional qualification section of your CV is where you list certifications, licenses or qualifications that are specific to your profession or field of work.
These qualifications demonstrate your expertise and competence in your chosen career.
For example, in the field of optometry, a professional qualification might include the Optical Assistant Certificate, which is a recognised certification demonstrating your skills and knowledge in assisting optometrists and providing patient care.
Example:
Certificate in Ophthalmic Equipment Maintenance – VisionCare Institute
First Aid Certification – British Red Cross
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Customer Service – The Open University
Skills and competencies
The skills section of your CV is where you showcase the specific abilities and qualities that make you a valuable candidate for the job. Here, you should list both technical skills, like proficiency in optical equipment and frame adjustments, and soft skills, such as excellent communication and patient care.
Example:
Optical equipment proficiency: Skilled in operating and maintaining ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors and tonometers, ensuring accurate and efficient eye examinations.
Frame fitting and adjustments: Proficient in frame selection and adjustments to provide a comfortable and precise fit for patients.
Patient care: Exceptional at building rapport with patients, explaining procedures and ensuring their comfort during eye exams.
Sales and upselling: Proven ability to enhance sales by offering tailored eyewear solutions and upgrades.
Contact lens assistance: Support patients with the application, removal, and care of contact lenses.
Data entry and record keeping: Maintain accurate patient records and manage administrative tasks.
Optical dispensing: Accurately dispense eyeglasses and provide adjustments.
Hobbies (optional)
The hobbies section of your CV is where you can briefly mention some of your personal interests and activities outside of work.
While not always required, it can provide potential employers with some insights into your personality and interests.
Including hobbies that are relevant to the job or showcase skills like teamwork, leadership or creativity can be particularly beneficial. However, it’s generally a good idea to keep this section concise and professional.
Example:
Outside of my optical work, I am passionate about photography, which has honed my attention to detail and visual acumen. I also enjoy volunteering at local vision health outreach programs, combining my interest in eye care with community service. Additionally, I maintain an active lifestyle with regular outdoor activities, promoting overall well-being and a healthy approach to life.
References
The references section of your CV is where you provide contact information for individuals who can vouch for your professional qualifications and character.
Example:
Victoria Lee Practice Manager, Bright Eyes Opticians Address: 89 Pine Road, Birmingham, B12 3YZ Tel: 0798 654 3210 Email:[email protected]
Robert Wilson Optometrist, VisionCare Optometry Address: 123 Apple Street, London, SW1A 2XX Tel: 0789 456 1234 Email:[email protected]
Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”
Quantify achievements: Include specific numbers or percentages to showcase achievements, such as “Increased eyewear sales by 20%.”
Detail optical equipment skills: List proficiency in operating ophthalmic equipment, such as retinoscopes and slit lamps.
Highlight soft skills: Emphasise interpersonal skills like patient care, communication and teamwork as these are vital in the optical profession.
Focus on customer service: Explain how you put the patient’s needs first, ensuring a positive experience during eye exams.
Mention team collaboration: Describe your capacity to work cohesively within a team of optometrists and support staff.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
