Interested in Careers in Eyecare? Learn more about finding a job in eyecare, including the different roles and companies in the industry.
About the eyecare industry
Eye care is a niche industry that is split into a handful of sectors: multiples, independents, hospitals and domiciliary providers.
Multiples are the most widely recognised companies within optics and dominate the industry. They place a high importance on the sales aspect of the business, with busy schedules and offer the chance to progress within your career. They are based everywhere in the UK and include big names such as Boots, Specsavers, Vision Express, etc.
The independent sector is seen as more patient based. While they don’t have big ad budgets like the multiples, they place importance on providing great customer service experience. This is typically one of the more sought-after sectors due to the way each individual company operates being completely personalised. Independent opticians practices are often quieter and more clinically inclined compared to the high-street practices.
Roles in eyecare
There are also optical roles in hospitals. Unlike high-street practices where you may find an emphasis on retail sales, hospital roles are entirely focused on the clinical aspect of optics. These can be a great workplace for optometrists, allowing them to make full use of their skills, as well as dispensing opticians. You will find patients who need more complex spectacles and low vision aids at a hospital.
Domiciliary – seeing people for eye care in their own homes – is the most unusual sector within the industry. This job involves visiting homes and care homes to provide their services to people who can’t get to a high-street practice. Many will say this is one of the most rewarding opportunities as it allows you to focus on the patient’s health and make a genuine difference in each person’s life.
How to find a job in eyecare
There are a range of ways to find a job in eyecare. You can contact practices on your local high street to ask about vacancies, visit companies websites and look on job search boards. Recruitment agencies are an integral part of optics and are one of the most effective methods of finding a job in the optical industry.
Candidates who are represented by agencies such as Vivid Optical don’t have the added stress of reaching out to companies, arranging their own interviews or negotiating salaries. This is what the agency is there to do on their behalf.
Explore careers in eyecare
Explore the Careers in Eyecare hub to find out about more roles and what it’s like to work in eyecare.
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From retail jobs to science roles, early careers in eyecare have a lot to offer.
Careers In Eyecare
