Optics 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 largely 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 far more patient based, placing a much higher importance on providing an extraordinary customer service experience as opposed to being as sales based as the multiple sector. This is typically one of the more sought-after sectors due to the way each individual company operates being completely personalised while almost always being quieter and more clinically inclined of the high-street practices.
There are also optical roles in hospitals. Unlike high-street practices, hospital roles are entirely focused on the clinical aspect of optics and are often the ideal workplace for optometrists, allowing them to make full use of their skills.
Domiciliary is the most unusual sector within the industry. This job involves visiting homes and care homes to provide their services to patients who are not capable of visiting 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.
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 exactly what the agency is there to do on their behalf.
There are a variety of ways to find jobs in optics but approaching an agency could be a great move.