Provide front-of-house service and help customers choose frames at an optometry practice

Optical Assistant / Customer Service (Part-Time)

The Terrace Optometrist is looking for someone quite special to join their small, friendly optometry practice in Timaru. This is a part-time role, 2 days per week, plus leave cover as required. The position starts on 11 January, 2027.

You don't need optical experience. What you do need is a genuine heart for people, exceptional customer service skills, an eye for what looks good, and the curiosity to learn something new.

This is a varied front-of-house role where you will welcome customers, answer the phone, manage appointments and help people choose frames that make them look and feel great. Along the way, you will learn about lenses, optical products, repairs, ordering and the systems that keep the practice running smoothly.

There is plenty to learn, and we don't expect you to know it all overnight. Full training and ongoing support will be provided by experienced optometrists.

We would love to meet someone who:

  • Is warm, calm, professional and genuinely enjoys helping people
  • Delivers exceptional customer service with patience and empathy
  • Has an excellent phone manner and communicates clearly and confidently
  • Is well presented, with an eye for colour, fashion and style
  • Has strong attention to detail
  • Is comfortable with computers and isn't afraid of learning new technology
  • Is curious, asks questions and genuinely enjoys learning
  • Can work independently and use their initiative
  • Is flexible and comfortable when the day doesn't go entirely to plan
  • Is reliable, dependable and looking for something long-term

What will you be doing?

No two days will be exactly the same. You will:

  • Greet customers and provide a warm, welcoming reception experience
  • Answer phone calls and manage appointment bookings
  • Assist customers to choose frames that suit their style, colouring and personality
  • Maintain accurate customer information and records
  • Learn about optical products, lenses and the different options available
  • Learn and use the Optomate practice management system
  • Assist with frame ordering and entering job sheets
  • Undertake minor glasses repairs, with full training provided
  • Help keep the practice tidy, welcoming and professionally presented
  • Adapt to changing priorities, whether the day is unexpectedly busy or suddenly quiet
  • Use quieter periods productively while always putting customers first

Being able to roll with the day while keeping customers at the centre of what you do is an important part of this role.

The hours:

  • 2 days per week – Thursday and Friday
  • 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
  • Additional flexibility to cover annual leave or illness
  • Potential to increase to 3 days per week during 2027

This isn't necessarily a role for someone who wants every hour of every day mapped out. It is a great role for someone who enjoys people, variety and learning, and wants to become a valued part of The Terrace Optometrist for the long term.

Technical knowledge can be taught. Kindness, curiosity and a genuine heart for people are what we're looking for.

If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

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