Careers at Haine and Smith
At Haine & Smith, we don't just offer careers; we build them. With over 50% of our team staying with us for 10 years or more, we're proud to be a place where people genuinely want to stay, grow, and make a difference to the communities we serve.
A Team That Feels Like Family
When you join Haine & Smith, you're not just starting a job; you're becoming part of a close-knit community that has been serving patients across Wiltshire since 1975. Over 50% of our staff have been with us for 10 years or more, and that's something we're incredibly proud of. We invest in our people, celebrate their achievements, and make sure every practice feels like home.
Staff Treatment at Haine and Smith
At Haine & Smith, over 50% of our staff have been employed for 10 years or more.
One employee who has been part of our family for over 41 years, back when there were only 8 of the 20 practices we have today.
Being so close geographically, our staff are more than happy to go and cover at other practices when required. You can be assured that no matter which one of the 20 practices you are working in, you will be made to feel at home.
Annual awards to recognize staff achievements with nominations from other staff
All-staff parties
Engaging training & development plans
Current Vacancies
Here at Haine & Smith we are looking for people who share the same ambition to deliver excellent eyecare as we do. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team of professionals who will go further than any other optician for their patients, then please look at the opportunities which we have available, listed below.
Dispensing Optician / Dispensing Assistant
Scope
We are looking for a qualified dispensing optician or unqualified experienced dispenser.
Main Responsibilities
Dispensing spectacles to prescriptions.
Carrying out collections, adjustments and repairs to spectacles.
Pre-screening carriedEnsure practice efficiency and compliance with Company procedures. out by well-trained support staff
Ensure total customer satisfaction with products and services.
Be an effective motivator, supporting, supervising, training and developing staff.
Realise the full potential of the practice with regard to patient numbers and sales targets.
Personal Specification - Skills, Knowledge and Experience
You will either need to be a Dispensing Optician registered with the GOC or an experienced and competent dispenser for all prescription and lens types. You will also need:
A Strong background in customer service and commitment to customer care.
Confidence in dealing with people, with the ability to quickly and easily build rapport and relationships with patients and practice teams.
To be able to communicate clearly and concisely, without using jargon or technical language.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Listening skills, to ensure you're giving the customer the best advice.
Sales experience, and the ability to inspire customer loyalty.
Teamworking skills, and the ability to lead and motivate staff.
A flexible approach to work and the ability to adapt to change.
Self-motivation.
Attention to detail.
The ability to put the customer first and act in a professional manner in all situations, able to act with tact and discretion.
Positive and outgoing.
Flexibility – able to be flexible on days worked and providing cover to other practices.
Well-presented and professional.
With a team of over 140 staff across the region, we are large enough to be progressive and yet small enough to know one another! As an individual, you will be in a position to make a real difference to the success of Haine & Smith.
Optometrist
Competitive salary depending on experience & profit related bonus
Why Haine & Smith?
Haine & Smith’s vision is to be the most trusted optician, who goes further than any other in pursuit of providing the best quality eyecare. You will be part of an enthusiastic and friendly team committed to providing patients with excellent personal service and good quality eye wear.
You will be often be working with qualified dispensing opticians and our practice teams are well trained. Established in 1975, we are committed to ensuring our staff are motivated and happy in their roles. At the centre of this is investing in each and every individual that works for us and we offer paid time for CPD events. Our modern practices are often located within attractive rural market towns, where it is not unusual for us to look after three or even four generations of the same family.
Who are we looking for?
You’ll need to be a GOC registered Optometrist who delivers exceptional customer service as well as clinical assessment and forming part of the Practice leadership team.
Who are we looking for?
Well-equipped practices, with fundus cameras and a growing number of OCTs
Testing times of 30-35 minutes
Pre-screening carried out by well-trained support staff
Extensive range of spectacle lenses including Nikon, Hoya and Shamir
Myopia control options
Post cataract follow up schemes
Regular provider-led CPD events, often with local hospital consultants
Our practices are open Mon–Sat 9am-5:30pm
Flexible working packages No Sunday, Bank Holiday or evening work
No Sunday, Bank Holiday or evening work
With a team of over 140 staff across the region, we are large enough to be progressive and yet small enough to know one another! As an individual, you will be in a position to make a real difference to the success of Haine & Smith.
Practice Support Assistant
Scope
This is more than a role in optics — it’s an opportunity to become a key part of a patient’s journey to better vision and confidence.
As a practice support assistant, you’ll be the first point of contact for our patients and a trusted guide throughout their experience with us. Combining exceptional customer care with developing clinical and technical skills, you’ll play a vital role in delivering outstanding patient outcomes.
With structured training and support, you’ll progress into dispensing spectacles and advising on tailored optical solutions, building a long-term career in optics.
What You’ll Be Doing
Creating Exceptional Patient Experiences
Welcoming patients and creating a warm, professional first impression
Managing appointments, enquiries, and correspondence
Supporting patients throughout their visit with empathy and confidence
Developing Optical Expertise
Interpreting prescriptions from optometrists
Advising on frames, lenses, and styling to suit lifestyle and needs
Taking precise measurements to ensure perfect fit and comfort
Supporting contact lens patients with handling and aftercare advice (with training)
Carrying out initial pre-screening checks as part of the patient journey, preparing them for their clinical examination
Hands-On & Technical Responsibilities
·Carrying out adjustments and minor repairs to spectacles
Checking lenses and frames to ensure quality and accuracy
Ordering and managing optical products and stock
Maintaining attractive, well-organised frame displays
Keeping the Practice Running Smoothly
Handling daily administration including payments, banking, and reports
Supporting NHS processes and invoicing
Maintaining excellent practice standards, cleanliness, and presentation
What Makes This Role Exciting
Career progression – full training to become a dispensing specialist
Skill development – blend of customer care, clinical support, and technical expertise
People-focused – build lasting relationships and genuinely help patients
Variety – no two days are the same
Impact – directly improve how people see and feel every day
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about people and ready to grow.
You’ll Bring:
A strong background in customer service
Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to build rapport
A positive, outgoing, and professional approach
Attention to detail and pride in delivering high standards
Commercial awareness and confidence recommending products
A team-focused mindset with flexibility to support across practices
Bonus (but not essential):
Experience in optics or dispensing
Full driving licence and access to a car
You’ll Bring:
A strong background in customer service
Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to build rapport
A positive, outgoing, and professional approach
Attention to detail and pride in delivering high standards
Commercial awareness and confidence recommending products
A team-focused mindset with flexibility to support across practices
Your Future With Us
With ongoing training and support, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to:
Dispense spectacles independently
Provide expert optical advice
Play a key role in patient care and business success
Above All
We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares. Someone who will go the extra mile to ensure every patient feels valued, supported, and confident in their vision.
“Fabulous and very experienced”
The Optometrist who checked my eyes was fabulous and was very experienced. I have just had viral meningitis and encephalitis and she was very thorough with checking the condition hadn’t affected me. I will not go anywhere else now after this service because I thought it was brilliant. Thank you!
“Careful and thorough inspection”
The optometrist provided a thorough, professional examination, clearly explaining my symptoms and diagnosing dry eye syndrome.The front office team was equally impressive—polite, efficient, and exceptionally business-like in their approach. I left feeling completely reassured by the high standard of clinical care and the friendly atmosphere.
“Kind and caring”
I took my 94-year-old mother to this optician in her wheelchair and the optometrist was absolutely amazing with her. She was nervous but all the staff were wonderful with us. They could not have been more kind and caring so I just had to let you know.
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“Service that truly goes the extra mile”
I just wanted to pass on my thanks for fabulous customer service from the Devizes branch and your people in Pewsey recently when I needed the lenses on my glasses replaced. I have a strong prescription and didn’t want to be without my glasses for any time. You sorted things for me and I am very grateful for that. Thanks everyone – good to see nowadays!
“Exceptional care and attention”
I would like to thank the young lady who assisted me. My son’s glasses lost a screw but not only did she repair the glasses by replacing the screw but went further by replacing the nose pads that had (honestly) been eaten by the dog. It is sadly a rare occurrence for people to go the extra mile. And with a smile as well? Too good to be true.
