How Much Do Opticians Make?

How Much Do Opticians Make? UK Salary, Training & Career Guide

Opticians—also known as dispensing opticians—play a vital role in eye care by advising patients on eyewear, fitting prescriptions, and supporting optometrists in clinics or retail settings. It’s a patient-focused profession combining healthcare with customer service, and offers clear progression for those who train and specialise.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming an optician in the UK: what they earn, what training is required, specialisations, benefits, and the best companies to work for.

Job Description: What Do Opticians Do?

Dispensing opticians interpret optical prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. They advise patients on the best eyewear and ensure correct lens fitting and visual correction.

Responsibilities:

• Interpreting prescriptions and helping clients choose lenses and frames

• Measuring and fitting spectacles to ensure accuracy and comfort

• Providing advice on contact lenses, coatings, and frame types

• Adjusting and repairing frames

• Managing stock and product orders

• Supporting optical sales and ensuring compliance with regulations

• Advising on children’s eyewear, low vision aids, or specialist needs

Some opticians specialise in contact lenses, paediatric dispensing, or low vision care.

How Hard Is It to Become an Optician?

It’s not academically intense, but it does require regulated training and registration with the General Optical Council (GOC). Most opticians train through college-based courses or distance learning, with practical placement hours alongside.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Attention to detail, especially when working with prescriptions

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Customer service mindset

• Problem-solving ability, especially for fittings and complaints

• Manual dexterity, especially for lens fitting and frame adjustments

• Organisational skills, particularly in a busy clinic or retail environment

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. To practise as a dispensing optician in the UK, you must:

Required Steps:

1. Complete a GOC-approved course in dispensing optics

• Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing

• BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing (3 years full-time)

2. Complete 1,600+ hours of supervised practice

3. Pass final theory and practical assessments

4. Register with the General Optical Council (GOC)

Courses can be taken full-time, part-time, or via blended learning (e.g. ABDO College).

Career Levels and Specialisations

Trainee / Student DO - In training under supervision

Qualified Optician (DO) - Registered with GOC

Contact Lens Optician - Additional training in contact lens fitting

Low Vision Specialist - Works with partially sighted patients

Senior / Lead Dispensing Optician - Supervisory or management role

Practice Manager / Regional Trainer - Higher-level business roles

What Experience Do You Need?

• No prior experience to begin training

• Placement or employment in an optician practice during your studies

• Experience with customer service or retail is helpful

• Hands-on skills develop through supervised hours

Benefits of Being an Optician

• Professional registration and recognised healthcare status

• Steady job market, especially with an ageing population

• Blend of clinical and customer-focused work

• Clear path for progression or specialisation

• Option to work in retail, private practice or NHS settings

• Regular hours – no night shifts or emergency calls

• Opportunities to move into management or training

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Retail sales pressure in some settings

• Repetitive tasks (e.g. measurements, adjustments)

• Requires ongoing CPD (continued professional development)

• Limited variety unless you specialise

• Standing for long hours in busy practices

• Dealing with difficult customers or product complaints

Optician Salary Levels in the UK

Trainee / Apprentice -£16,000 – £20,000

Qualified Dispensing Optician - £25,000 – £35,000

Contact Lens Specialist - £30,000 – £40,000

Senior / Manager - £40,000 – £55,000

Regional Trainer / Area Manager - £50,000 – £65,000+

Tax Example:

A dispensing optician earning £35,000/year would pay:

• Income Tax: ~£4,432

• National Insurance: ~£3,149

• Take-home pay: ~£27,400/year or £527/week

What Factors Affect Salary?

• Experience and qualifications – specialist roles pay more

• Retail vs clinical – independent or private practices may offer higher pay

• Location – London and major cities offer higher salaries

• Commission structure – some chains include bonus pay

• Company size – national chains may offer better benefits

What’s the Future for This Role?

Optics is growing as eye care becomes more important for an ageing, screen-focused population.

Future trends include:

• Growth in children’s eye care and myopia control

• Digital eye testing and tele-optometry

• Expansion of contact lens and low vision services

• Increased need for optical sales skills in retail-driven businesses

• Focus on sustainable and ethical eyewear brands

Best Companies to Work for as an Optician

Specsavers - Nationwide chain, strong training

Vision Express - Good benefits and in-house development

Boots Opticians - Retail + clinical balance

Scrivens - High-street focused, NHS contracts

Leightons / Hakim Group - Independent, more patient-focused

Bayfields Opticians - Private chain with career progression

Hospital Eye Clinics (NHS) - More clinical, less retail-driven

Own practice or mobile optician - Freedom and higher earning potential

Final Thought

Opticians bridge the gap between clinical care and retail service. If you’re detail-focused, people-oriented, and want a secure healthcare career with regular hours and strong earning potential, it's a great path. With extra training, you can boost your skills and salary significantly—especially in areas like contact lenses or low vision.

Need help comparing training providers, mapping a route to GOC registration, or weighing retail vs NHS jobs? Just ask—I’ll guide you.