7114 — Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants

What this occupation covers

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.

Typical duties

checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details

maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued

checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately

arranges displays of merchandise

relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists

carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods

Entry routes and qualifications

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.

Sponsorship information

Ineligible. Actual duties, sponsor, applicant, salary and any transitional or shortage-list conditions must be checked.

DBS assessment

No code-wide DBS assessment is assigned. Check actual duties, activities, workplace, frequency and jurisdiction. This code does not determine the level of check.

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