32 Optician Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Optician interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Adaptability Questions
- 2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Common Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Customer Service Questions
- 8. Diligence Questions
- 9. Discovery Questions
- 10. Education Questions
- 11. Experience Questions
- 12. Performance Based Questions
- 13. Problem Solving Questions
- 14. Stress Questions
- 15. Teamwork Questions
- 16. Trust Questions
Adaptability
1. Do you have an issue with working weekends?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see if you have any scheduling issues with working weekends, and they are also looking to see your willingness to work unconventional hours. If the company is open on the weekends, they will need an Optician to work those hours. Explain that you are willing to work weekends and evenings to accommodate your customer's schedules.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"No, I do not have an issue with working weekends. All of my past jobs were open on the weekends, so I am used to working Saturdays and Sundays. I am also available to work in the evenings if needed. I realize your company works around the patients' schedules, which is part of the reason I applied to your company. I like that you put the patients first to accommodate their needs."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Ask The Interviewer
2. What questions do you have for us?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure that your questions are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have a question. When are you looking to fill the position?"
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Career Goals
3. Why are you leaving your current job?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear the reason you are leaving your current job and applying for this position. Be sure that you don't ever say anything negative about a supervisor or coworkers when answering this question, as it is in poor taste to talk bad about others. Instead, focus on the want for a greater challenge or are looking for career advancement. Highlight your compatibility with the company. perhaps your values are closely aligned. If you do not have a job you are leaving, you can explain what you currently do and why you applied to this position.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am leaving my current job because I am undergoing a career change. Currently I am working as a retail clerk, and after a friend went to school to become an Optician, I decided to do the same. Once I am hired as an Optician, I will be putting in my notice at my current job."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Career Goals
4. What are your career goals?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see how motivated you are in your career and if you have plans for professional growth. It is important to have goals in any career, which shows self-motivation and continual learning.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"My short-term career goals are to gain experience as an Optician over the next few years. I am interested in furthering my education and am enrolled in a bachelor's program to receive my degree in biology, and then will enroll in the doctors of optometry program. I see myself graduating with a degree in optometry in six years."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Common
5. How did you hear about this position?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear how you heard about the position to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising their job opening. Companies spend money on different ways of searching for candidates, and they want to see what works the best. You may have heard about the position from a recruiter, from a sign in the window, from a friend, or saw the opening on an online career site. Describe how you heard about the position.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I heard about the position from the online career site Indeed. I was searching for Optician openings, and your company was the first job opening in my area on the site. After doing my research, I decided your company looked like a good fit for me."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Common
6. If hired, when could you start?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see what your timeline is to start if they offer you the position. If you are currently working another job, inform them that you will need to give notice ups to two weeks. If you are not employed, give the interviewer a time that works best for you, bearing in mind that sooner is better than a protracted wait. Saying you can start as soon as possible shows your enthusiasm to work for their company.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am currently working in another optometry office and would need to give a two week's notice and could start after that. If my employer could find a replacement for me before two weeks, I could start sooner."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Compatibility
7. When can you start working?
How to Answer
If you are still employed, show that you are respectful of your employer by explaining that you want to give them a two-week notice allowing them time to fill your role. This shows you care about your work and that you're not the type of person who would quit as soon as something better comes your way.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I'd love to start immediately, as I am very excited about this role, but I need to give my two weeks' notice to my current employer. I could start anytime after that."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I'd like to give my current employer two week's notice. I'll also be coordinating childcare during those two weeks to accommodate my work schedule. When are you hoping your candidate may start?"
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Compatibility
8. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Interviewers want to know why they should hire you and what value you can bring to their company. This is your time to sell yourself. Reading the job posting before your interview will refresh your memory about the qualities the company is looking for in an Optician. Highlight the traits you have that align with their perfect candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe I am the best candidate for your company because even though I am a newly licensed Optician, I have motivation, enthusiasm, and the desire to learn as much as I can about this profession. I graduated at the top of my class and understand my role and duties as an Optician. I am professional, empathetic, and an excellent communicator with a strong work ethic. I know I would positively impact your organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Competency
9. How do you adjust a manual lensometer?
How to Answer
The interviewer needs to know that you understand your job and know how to use the tools of the trade. They want to see if you will need to be trained or if you seem competent to do the job. Describe in detail the steps you take to adjust a manual lensometer.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"To adjust a manual lensometer, I first place the lensometer on a stable surface and slowly turn the eyepiece counterclockwise until the black cross becomes completely clear. I then focus the eyepiece on the display area and rotate the measuring wheel to set the scale at zero."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Competency
10. What skills do you feel are essential for this position?
How to Answer
Essential skills every Optician should have are strong communication, organization, teamwork, attention to detail, outgoing, and the ability to provide excellent customer service. Describe the skills you think are the most important to have as an Optician.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"Communication and attention to detail are a few skills that I think every Optician should have. I also think it is essential for Opticians to be organized, work well with a team, and provide excellent customer service."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Competency
11. What is your experience with contact lenses?
How to Answer
Not only do you fit glasses, but you may also instruct patients on how to use contact lenses by showing them how to clean the lenses, insert them, remove them easily and properly care for contact lenses. Tell the interviewer about your experience and tricks you give your customers when it comes to wearing contact lenses.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Besides being a contact wearer myself, I haven't had the opportunity to instruct customers on the do's and dont's of contact wearing. I look forward to learning from your team and instructing patients on the different nuances of putting in contacts."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I've been instructing customers on the correct way to insert, clean, and store their contacts for two years now. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I enjoy sharing with first-timers as well."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Competency
12. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
It is important before any job interview to research the company you are applying to and learn everything you can about them. Learn about their mission and values, how many employees they have, when the company was founded, and online reviews. The best way to learn about a company is to visit and talk to employees and supervisors, if possible. The interviewer wants to hear that you have done your homework and have a genuine interest in the company.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that your company was rated in the top three optometry groups in the county, with over 1,500 5-star reviews. The company was founded in 1931 and has been kept in the family all these years. Your office has three generations of Optometrists who specialize in a wide array of eye care services and offer emergency, after-hours treatments too. I spoke with one of your receptionists who has worked for you for 20 years, and she said your company is the best place she has ever worked. There are so many positives to the work environment here, and I would hope to be a part of it.."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Customer Service
13. How do you adjust your procedures for younger patients?
How to Answer
Children can be challenging to work with at times. Tell the interviewer about fun games you play with your younger patients, how you keep them from getting scared, or your tricks to getting them to sit still to get the perfect fit.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I adjust my procedures for younger patients by allowing more time to spend with them. I start by letting them warm up to me by playing little games with stuffed animals. I then show them the different glasses while explaining how I will adjust the glasses to get a perfect fit. If they are anxious and cannot sit still, I have them sit on their parent's lap, so they feel safe and comfortable."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Customer Service
14. How do you ensure your customer has a proper fitted pair of glasses?
How to Answer
As an Optician, your customers look to you to help them choose the best frames for their face and that they fit correctly. Walk the interviewer through the steps you take with your customers to ensure they leave with properly fitted glasses.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"First, I check the prescription for the patient's lenses. The next step is to measure the patient's face to find the correct pupil distance for the new frames. I work with the patient to select a few possible glasses from the display case, and then I have the patient try them on in front of a mirror. Once the perfect frame type has been chosen, I work with the individual to make a selection for the lenses."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Measuring the customer's"‹ pupil distance is the key to a properly fitted pair of glasses."
Written by Heather Douglass
Customer Service
15. How would you define great customer service?
How to Answer
Great customer service is important to provide in an optometry group. Without great customer service, the customer will not return or refer your services to others. Great customer service can include excellent communication, actively listening to the customer's needs, offering solutions to their needs, being empathetic, and providing courtesy and respect. Describe how you define great customer service.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I define great customer service as greeting the customer with a smile when they walk into the office, asking how you can help them, actively listen to what they want or need, and provide a solution to their problem. I think providing excellent customer service has the customer walking out the door with a smile."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Diligence
16. How organized are you in maintaining customer prescriptions and work orders?
How to Answer
Staying organized as an Optician is key. Tell the interviewer the particular software you use to order, and how you prepare work orders for the optical laboratory that contain instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am very organized in maintaining customer prescriptions and work orders and use cloud-based software to fulfill my orders. Currently, our shop takes care of approximately 200 customers a month. Having this large of a workload involves attention to detail and organization in order to take care of everyone."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I currently manage our work order program. On average, we send ten prescriptions to our lab for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. I've created a tracking system that has eliminated error and cut our delivery time by two days."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Discovery
17. What is it about being an Optician that you like the most?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know why you chose to become an Optician. Whether it is learning on the job, making customers happy, or working with an amazing team, answering this question with enthusiasm will show the interviewer how much you enjoy your job and are ready to bring your enthusiasm to the new position.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Optical technology is amazing these days, and I love being a part of it. We have virtually unbreakable products, like flexible titanium and stainless steel."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Meeting people and getting to know them and their families, and seeing them return and catching up on what's new in life is some of the most enjoyable aspects of the work."
Written by Nolan Henry on September 4th, 2021
Discovery
18. Why did you choose to pursue a career as an Optician?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear what motivated you to become an Optician. It might be that you were looking to start a career in a relatively short amount of time after graduating high school, you may have had a guidance counselor in school that encouraged you, or you have a friend or family member who is in the field of optometry. Tell your personal story about why you chose to become an Optician.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue a career as an Optician after learning about the industry at a high school job fair. An optometry group had an eyeglass display and a lensometer. They showed me how the machine works and explained the career path to becoming an Optician. It seemed like a fun career to pursue, and I liked that in two years or less, I could be a licensed Optician."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Discovery
19. Why did you choose to apply with us?
How to Answer
At this point, you most likely have done your research on the company and decided that they looked like a good fit, and that is why you applied for the position. Or, you may have been intrigued by their job posting or referred by a patient or employee. Explain why their company is where you want to work as an Optician, and give examples. The interviewer wants to hear that you have done your homework and have a genuine interest in the company.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose to apply with your company because of the way the job posting was worded. I like that you are looking for fun, energetic Opticians who want to make a difference in other's lives. After researching your company, it further validated why I chose to apply with you. I love the way your employees volunteer once a month to help underserved communities, and I want to be a part of such a wonderful organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Education
20. Tell me about your education.
How to Answer
Opticians need to go through an apprenticeship program or earn an associate's degree in eye physiology and optics to measure and fit glasses properly. Tell the interviewer if you have your license and in what state.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have my high school diploma and one year of volunteer experience in our local optical shop. I've learned everything on the job from the lead optician."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"After high school, I attended a local vocational school and earned my certificate as an Optician. I've spent the last two years learning beyond college and am excited at the opportunity to work in one of the busiest stores in our area."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experience
21. Tell me about your previous experience as an Optician.
How to Answer
This is your chance to describe your work experience and previous employers. If you have never worked as an Optician, you can describe your experience in a training program or internship. Be sure to be upbeat and enthusiastic when describing your experience as an Optician. The interviewer does not want to hire an Optician that does not seem interested in their profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have never worked as an Optician since I just became certified. However, I did a two-year internship while going through the training program and learned vital job skills from my mentor. I feel very confident in my skills and working with customers, and I look forward to applying my knowledge with your company."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Experience
22. Are you familiar working with insurance claims?
How to Answer
Not all optometry groups use Opticians to work with insurance claims. Insurance claims are often handled by a clearinghouse or a billing or insurance specialist. If you do have experience working with claims, describe your experience in detail.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am not familiar working with insurance claims. At my last job, the optometry group had a billing specialist in the office who dealt with all billing and insurance claims."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Experience
23. Do you have experience in maintaining and tracking inventory?
How to Answer
Some offices will have an inventory tracking system, while others may not. The interviewer is looking to see what type of experience you have tracking and maintaining inventory or if you will need to be trained by their company. Describe any experience you have manually tracking inventory or what type of software you have used to maintain inventory.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I do have experience maintaining and tracking inventory using a program called Vision Pros. This software makes it easy for me to see exactly how many frames, contacts, lenses, and accessories we have at any given time. I set up alerts to order more inventory when our supply gets lower than a specified number. It has been a great tool to maintain and track our inventory."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Experience
24. What are your experiences using a lensometer?
How to Answer
As an Optician, you use a lensometer daily with your customers. This question is seeking to gauge your knowledge and familiarity with the instrument. Demonstrate your knowledge of the tool by describing how it measures prescription lenses to determine the sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I use a lensometer daily to determine the best fit for my customers. Using the lensometer, I can measure the optical properties of a pair of eyeglasses and verify the prescription is correct."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I've been using a lensometer for the last three years to find the best fit for my customers. For the last month, I've been training our new optician to use the tool more effectively."
Written by Nolan Henry on September 4th, 2021
Performance Based
25. If hired, how do you intend on making a difference with our company?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know what values and skills you will bring to their company. They want to know that you will be a valuable asset to their organization if they hire you. Highlight your strengths, experience, and customer service skills that will make a difference with their company.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"If you hire me, I will make a difference with your company by bringing my enthusiasm and excitement of optometry with me. My coworkers, customers, and other optometrists I know have said that I energize the workplace with my smile and upbeat attitude when I am at work. I will bring that same enthusiasm and upbeat attitude to your company if hired."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Problem Solving
26. Which kind of clients are the most professionally challenging for you?
How to Answer
As an Optician, you'll experience different types of difficult customers. Keep your answer positive when answering this question. Tell the interviewer how you ultimately made your customer happy or describe strategies that allow you to navigate a difficult encounter.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"Sometimes children can be difficult to work with because they do not understand what is happening and are frightened. I have found that if I let the child sit on their parent's lap and spend some time showing them the equipment, they tend to be less frightened. My experience and patience are key to getting the right fit each time."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Stress
27. Describe a deadline situation when you had several tasks to do at once, and how you coped.
How to Answer
The interviewer is asking you this question to hear how you prioritize your work and handle pressure. Keeping calm while answering this question is key. Discuss a work situation, steps you took to meet the deadline, and what you learned from it.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A common deadline that I have is to get our contact order out every Monday afternoon. There are times that our Mondays are quite hectic, so I make a point to set aside one hour to get our orders out. I've also made a point to train each of our opticians to submit the contact order so we can cover each other if the other is busy or not at work."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Our shop has a whiteboard that we list our daily projects on. This whiteboard gives us a visual of what needs to be done each day and the opportunity for others to pitch in when they see something needs to be accomplished."
Written by Heather Douglass
Stress
28. Do you work well under pressure?
How to Answer
When working in a busy office or if the schedule gets behind, Opticians can be put under a lot of pressure. The interviewer wants to hear that you can handle pressure and the ways that you deal with pressure. Keeping calm and organized are two quality traits of an Optician.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I work well under pressure. I learned in college the pressures of attending school and working full time, so I am quite used to working under pressure and meeting deadlines. I stay calm and organized, which helps relieve some of the pressure when the office is busy."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Teamwork
29. How would your coworkers describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know more about your professional relationships. Your answer to this question will tell the interviewer a few different things. It will show them how well you work on a team. As an Optician, it is common to work in a diverse setting. Let the interviewer know that you can handle diversity, work with a cross-functional team, help others with their customers, be an active leader, and be a dependable team member. Tell the interviewer how your coworkers view your personality and skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My coworkers would describe me as collaborative, willing to help, and technically savvy. I am advanced in these areas and look forward to taking these skills to work for your organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My coworkers would say that I have great customer service skills. I greet each customer with a smile, help them find the best glasses, and make sure they leave happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Trust
30. How would your former employer describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer can call your former employer for a reference, but they want to hear from you how you think your employer would describe you. If you have a letter of recommendation from your former employer, use words they used to describe you. If the interviewer allows, you can provide them with a copy of your letter of recommendation.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"I brought a letter of recommendation from my former employer if you would like to have a copy. They described me as honest and dependable with an infectious laugh that could brighten up anyone's day. They said that I was the most requested Optician in the office and that I will be an asset to any organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Trust
31. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
Everyone has weaknesses, be honest about yours, and speak on how you might address it. It shows them that you are humble enough to recognize a weakness and motivated enough to improve it. Make sure the weakness you choose is relevant to the position you are interviewing for and that you end on a positive note.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is being unfamiliar with the electronic medical records software program you use. In my last job, we used a different program, and I was comfortable with it. When I discovered the software you use, I started researching how it operates and have watched video tutorials. I feel I have a better grasp and should pick it up quickly once I have a little training and start using the program."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Trust
32. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
First, look at the job posting and determine what strengths the company is looking for in an Optician. They may post that they are looking for a dependable, honest, and energetic Optician who can multi-task in a busy office environment. Choose your greatest strength from the job posting and explain why that is your greatest strength and how hiring you will bring value to the company.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is my organizational skills. I keep my work environment clean and organized, which allows me to multi-task in a busy office environment with ease. I find being organized helps the workflow run smoothly, which benefits the company and its patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 4th, 2021