What I do

I create high-quality spectacles, ensuring the patient gets an optimal viewing experience at all times. I take a trace of the frame the customer has chosen so I know exactly what shape I need to cut the lens and where I need to put the optical centres and heights. I then cut the lens down to exactly the right shape.

I then apply tints to sunglasses or apply any fashion tints that have been requested. The finished lens is fitted into the frame and the prescription is checked. After that, the lens is cleaned, everything is double-checked, and the spectacles are packaged ready for the customer.

How I became a technician

I started as a dispensing assistant on the shop floor at Specsavers, but realised I was more interested in the technical side of things, like how the glasses are made. I was transferred to the store lab and progressed from there - it was much more up my street!

A typical day in my
working life

In the morning, we’ll arrive at the lab, turn on all the machines and run calibration checks to make sure everything is working. We look at what’s due in our delivery, which glasses need to be sent out and if there are any issues from the previous day that we need to sort.

In the afternoon, we’re usually packing up deliveries and putting the finishing touches to our own store’s spectacles. We are constantly making spectacles and keeping our machines running. At the end of the day we clean the machines, remove any lens waste and make sure everything is set up for the morning.

If you do your job properly, you can make a real difference to people’s lives.

A surprising fact about my job

I learn something new every day. I have been doing this job for ten years, but I’m still not an expert.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

I love seeing the finished product. Taking the raw materials and turning them into something that someone is going to use every day for two years or longer. If you do your job properly, you can make a real difference to people’s lives.

The best bits about working in a team

I work in a very small, close-knit team. The best bit about it is that you know these people really well and it is essential that you get on. Any issues get sorted out immediately and aren’t allowed to fester. We have a real camaraderie and because we are not customer-facing, we can listen to music. It’s a nice atmosphere.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

We once made spectacles for someone on TV - an A-lister!

The next steps in my career journey

I would like to be in charge of my own lab. Although that would be quite far in the future, there are opportunities here which would help me get there.

Find out more about this role

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.

Nine apprentices sitting on sofas socialising

Meet other technicians

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