Dispensing Optician Vacancy - Shephard and Akay Optometrists
We’re a friendly, community focused independent opticians where people and patients always come first. As a Dispensing Optician with us, you’ll join a close-knit team that values your skills, supports your development, and gives you the freedom to do what’s right for each patient, without the pressure of sales targets or rushed appointments.
Established in Hitchin in 1974, we’re proud to be the town’s primary independent practice, located in a busy pedestrian area in the heart of this historic market town. We care for a diverse patient base, from children to elderly members of our community, and offer a wide range of designer frames including Tom Ford, Lindberg and Maui Jim, alongside premium lenses from Zeiss, Essilor and Nikon. With the time and clinical freedom to focus on the right outcome, you’ll be part of a team that works collaboratively to deliver genuinely personalised care.
About the role:
We’re looking for a full-time Dispensing Optician to join us in delivering the kind of personalised, patient-first care we’re known for. You’ll play an important role in helping people see and feel their best, by offering expert advice, guiding them through frame and lens choices, and making sure every fit is as comfortable and accurate as it is stylish.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys connecting with people, building trust with patients, and being part of a supportive, tight-knit team. You’ll have the time and freedom to do your job properly by providing honest, expert care. Working closely with the rest of the team, you’ll help create a smooth and positive experience for every patient who walks through the door.
You will be working with a dispensing team with over 30 years of experience in a beautiful old building in the middle of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. We offer the time and tools to give our patients the best dispense for their prescription. We are able to spend the time needed to offer them the best service we can.
As a qualified Dispensing Optician, you’ll use your technical skills and product knowledge to recommend the best lens and frame options for each individual’s visual and lifestyle needs. You’ll take accurate measurements, ensure high-quality fittings, and manage complex prescriptions or adjustments with confidence. You’ll also be on hand to support patients with queries or concerns, help the team resolve any dispensing-related issues, and contribute to the upkeep and organisation of the practice. Most importantly, you’ll be someone who takes pride in great service — and who brings warmth, care, and expertise to every interaction.
Additional Information:
- You must be registered with the GOC or appropriate governing body in order to apply for this role
- Our frame selection includes Tom Ford; Silhouette; Lindberg; Maui Jim; Etnia; ProDesign
- We have 2 consulting rooms
- We are a team of 10
- This role requires you to work 4 days in the week and Saturdays - we open 9am-2pm on a Saturday.
- Our appointment times are 40 minutes
You will receive:
- Your birthday off work
- No Sunday or bank holiday working
- Free & regular CPD courses
- Access to Simply Health (claim cashback on healthcare purchases)
- Retail discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work-life balance.