On the frontline

^{Figure 1: Communicating with patients is a key part of the job}

I am an optical assistant (OA) so why do I need to know about my employer’s or company values, beliefs and purpose? OAs, as a rule, in an average practice will have more contact with more customers than any other practice-based colleagues.

Think about it, not every patient will be having an eye examination, contact lens opticians will only see those booked in for a contact lens fit or check-up, and dispensing opticians may be dispensing children or problem-solving.

This is how your practice wishes to be seen by all visitors to the practice. They can be described as a set of guiding principles and fundamental beliefs that help a group of people function together as a team and work towards a common business goal. This can help shape your practices operating procedures, ie how and why you do things a certain way.