Optical Assistant job in Bury St. Edmunds

What’s in it for you?

Optical Assistant Vacancy

We’re proud to be a small group of independent practices where patient care always comes first, and joining us as an Optical Assistant means being part of a team that values clinical freedom, supports your development, and encourages you to bring your personality and expertise to the role. We offer a welcoming, people first environment where your contributions are heard and your individuality is celebrated. Whether you’re looking for the next step in your career or a fresh start in an independent practice that genuinely puts patients and people before numbers, this could be the right place for you.

Across three locations and two well-established independent businesses – Peel & Gudgin Optometry in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, and Peters Opticians in Newmarket – no two days are ever the same.

While every team member has a base practice, we work collaboratively across all three locations, giving you the opportunity to experience different environments, patients and colleagues throughout the week. Each practice has its own unique personality, and we celebrate the diversity that makes every day interesting.

Looking to progress your career but worried that an independent practice won’t offer the same development opportunities as a larger group? Think again.

We’re passionate about investing in our people. Our team currently includes:

• Two Optical Assistant apprentices
• An Optical Assistant about to begin their Dispensing Optician (DO) course
• A Dispensing Optician being supported through their Optometry degree
• A CLiP Optometrist developing their clinical skills

If you’re ambitious, dedicated and conscientious, you’ll find genuine opportunities to grow with us. We believe in nurturing talent, supporting career progression and helping our team reach their full potential—all while working in a friendly, patient-focused independent practice.

You will also receive:

What we offer:

• A welcoming, supportive, and experienced team.
• The opportunity to work in a thriving, expanding independent practice.
• State-of-the-art technology and modern dispensing equipment.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• A workplace where your ideas, contribution, and professional growth are valued.

If you’re passionate about optics and are looking to build your career in a progressive independent practice where patient care always comes first, we’d love to hear from you.

• Your birthday off work
• No Sunday or bank holiday working
• Access to Westfield Health Plan
• Retail discounts
• Cycle to work scheme

We offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance.

About the Role

We are looking for a full time or part time Optical Assistant to join us in delivering outstanding patient care. You’ll play a key role in providing expert advice, sharing knowledge on frames and fittings, and delivering ongoing care that makes patients feel confident, comfortable, and cared for.

This is a role for someone who genuinely enjoys helping people, our ideal candidate takes pride in offering honest advice, building trust with patients, and being part of a team that delivers a quality service while supporting one another. You’ll have the time, tools, and encouragement to do your job to a high standard, without feeling rushed or pressured. Collaboration is a big part of how we work, so you’ll play a key role in making sure every patient has a smooth, positive experience from start to finish.

You’ll be working with a carefully curated range of premium frames and award-winning lens technology, giving you the opportunity to provide personalised styling consultations and play an active role in frame buying and stock selection.

Each practice has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and you’ll care for a wonderfully diverse patient base—from long-standing loyal patients who have trusted us for years to young families visiting us for the first time. It’s a role where you can build genuine relationships, deliver exceptional patient care and make a real difference every day.

As an Optical Assistant, you’ll support patients with everything from frame styling and lens choices to fittings, adjustments, and aftercare. You’ll offer product knowledge that’s tailored to each person’s visual and lifestyle needs, and help manage more complex prescriptions with the support of the wider team. You’ll also assist with day to day practice tasks, contribute to the upkeep of displays and equipment, and be a friendly, reliable point of contact for both patients and colleagues. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine interest in people, an eye for detail, and a caring, can do attitude to every part of your day.

Additional Information:

• This role is ideal for someone with previous experience working in optics
• Our frame selection includes Tom Ford, Moscot, Silhouette, Gucci and more
• We have 1 or 2 consulting rooms (depending on location)
• We are a team of 22 across 3 practices. Each practice has a core team of 6-8
• This role requires you to work flexible Saturdays (shorter days)
• Our appointment times are 45 minutes

What’s Next?

Click apply below and we will ensure you are contacted as soon as possible by one of our team.

Salary – Max

GBP £26,000.00

Salary – Min

GBP £25,000.00