Hiring and Sponsoring Dispensing opticians (SOC Code 3211)

Dispensing Opticians, classified under SOC Code 3211, are healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the optics industry, specifically in providing patients with personalized eyewear solutions. Their responsibilities include:

• Interpreting prescriptions to accurately assess patient needs.
• Measuring patients' facial dimensions, including the distance between pupil centres and height of the bridge of the nose, to ensure precise fitting of spectacles.
• Advising patients on the best lens types and spectacle frame choices tailored to their lifestyle and vision requirements.
• Preparing detailed instructions for workshop technicians to ensure that eyewear meets specifications.
• Ensuring that completed spectacles conform to required standards and fit patients correctly and comfortably.
• Fitting spectacles on patients and providing guidance on lens care and addressing any potential difficulties that may arise.

With the increasing demand for vision care services in the UK, many optical retailers and clinics are actively seeking qualified dispensing opticians, including skilled professionals from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the hiring and sponsorship process for dispensing opticians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Dispensing opticians?

SOC Code 3211 refers to dispensing opticians who specialize in fitting and adjusting spectacles and optical devices based on prescriptions. Their responsibilities can include:

• Interpreting prescriptions: Analyzing and comprehending optical prescriptions to determine the necessary specifications for lenses and frames.
• Measuring patients: Taking accurate measurements of the patient's face, including the distance between pupil centers and the height of the bridge of the nose.
• Advising on lens types: Providing informed recommendations on various lens types and styles of spectacle frames that best suit the patient's needs and preferences.
• Preparing instructions for workshop: Drafting detailed specifications and instructions for lens fabrication and adjustments to ensure quality and precision.
• Ensuring compliance: Confirming that completed spectacles meet the required specifications and fit the patient correctly and comfortably.
• Fitting spectacles: Fitting lenses and frames to the patient, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.
• Educating patients: Advising patients on lens care and addressing any difficulties or concerns they may have regarding their eyewear.

Dispensing opticians play a vital role in the optical industry, enhancing vision care, improving patients' quality of life, and promoting the importance of eye health.

Eligibility to Hire Dispensing opticians (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Dispensing opticians must possess a combination of technical skills and interpersonal abilities to effectively assist patients with their eyewear needs. Candidates should meet the following qualifications:

• Professional Qualifications: Valid certification or licensure as a dispensing optician, as required by state regulations.
• Understanding of Prescriptions: Ability to interpret optical prescriptions accurately and translate them into practical solutions for patients.
• Measuring Skills: Proficient in measuring patient’s facial features, including distance between pupil centers and height of the bridge of the nose.
• Product Knowledge: Strong knowledge of various types of lenses and spectacle frames to advise patients on suitable options based on their lifestyle and needs.
• Technical Skills: Experience in preparing detailed specifications for workshop fabrication, ensuring that the finished spectacles meet patient requirements.
• Fitting Expertise: Competence in fitting spectacles correctly and comfortably, along with providing guidance on lens care and addressing potential difficulties.
• Customer Service Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to assist patients effectively and ensure a positive experience.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3211 and that the dispensing optician's experience and capabilities meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Dispensing opticians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Dispensing opticians under SOC Code 3211.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Dispensing opticians, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Dispensing opticians under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Dispensing opticians. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Dispensing opticians applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Dispensing opticians’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Dispensing opticians can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Dispensing opticians

Before the Dispensing opticians begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Dispensing opticians’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Dispensing opticians holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Dispensing opticians’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Dispensing opticians’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Dispensing opticianss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Dispensing opticians

Sponsoring Dispensing opticians under SOC Code 3211 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Dispensing opticians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Dispensing opticians under SOC Code 3211 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.