Latest research finds high expectations among optical workforce

Eye care professionals consider better pay the greatest priority when seeking a new job but value patient interaction most when they actually land their dream position.

This was one of the key findings from the Optician Workplace Survey 2014, which also revealed a strong appetite for further training and improved promotion prospects within the sector.

The survey, completed by 550 optical professionals from both independents and multiples, was sponsored by Specsavers.

Aside from salary, which was of importance to 71 per cent of people looking for a move, job security was important to 46 per cent, using clinical skills to 29 per cent, patient interaction to 26 per cent and training to 24 per cent. Sales was of least importance overall, being flagged up by only 4 per cent of survey respondents.