Comment by WelcometotheZhongguo on 26/01/2025 at 14:45 UTC*

760 upvotes, 6 direct replies (showing 6)

View submission: Are opticians just glorified salesman's now?

You mean the qualified optometrist that’s testing your eyes with the big machine?

Or the salesperson that works in the glasses shop that has the opticians at the back?!

Replies

Comment by Valuable-Wallaby-167 at 26/01/2025 at 14:56 UTC*

190 upvotes, 3 direct replies

The people at the front fitting your glasses are the opticians, the people testing your eyesight are optometrists.

Edit: not saying everyone who works front of house is an optician though.

Comment by bucketofardvarks at 26/01/2025 at 15:28 UTC

13 upvotes, 4 direct replies

never had an eye test in a specsavers I see, the qualified optometrist all but tried to force me into the saleswomans arms for new glasses shopping when my prescription changed 0.25

Comment by Ayanhart at 27/01/2025 at 08:40 UTC*

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

My partner used to work in a Specsavers. He was an Optical Assistant and basically did all the front of house stuff (taking measurements, helping people choose frames, trying to upsell, etc.). The people on the shop floor were all Optical Assistants in one way or another (as it takes minimal training) or store managers. The people with the medical degrees were the ones doing the tests (Optometrists - shortened to Optoms) or making prescriptions in the back that customers almost never saw (eg Dispensing Optician). The only time an Optician would come onto the floor would be when children were involved, someone with a very strong prescription so they could double-check things or when there was NHS funding involved.

He ended up quitting because he found it draining as they were constantly pushed to sell more and make more money by pushing for bolt-ons (even if the customer didn't really need them). He was always one of the top earners by virtue of being friendly and nice but there was always pressure to sell more and make more money.