Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists and opticians or optometrists to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.

Entry Reqirements

Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Typical Tasks

• Carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods.
• Relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists.
• Arranges displays of merchandise.
• Checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately.
• Maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued.
• Checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details.

Desired Skills

Active Listening, Active Learning, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Writing, Learning Strategies, Monitoring, Science