Lauren Neill
Optical Assistant
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About
Customer-focused professional with over six years' experience across optical retail, hospitality and customer service, including patient consultation in an opticians and high-volume barista work in a fast-paced café environment. Skilled in problem-solving under pressure and taking on responsibility independently — including running solo shifts during Covid-period staff shortages and holding key-holder duties for store opening/closing and cash handling. Confident liaising across teams and departments, from in-branch coverage to international head office contacts.
Experience
Optical Assistant - Ollie Quinn - London
(2022-09 - 2026-07)
- Delivered patient consultations including frame styling and lens recommendations, building product knowledge across a wide range of options
- Took detailed clinical measurements for patients and resolved fitting/prescription issues through problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Managed appointment scheduling and daily operations using in-house systems
- Conducted regular stock/inventory checks and ordered replacement equipment to maintain full operational readiness
- Maintained hygiene and clinical standards in line with company policy
- Liaised directly with head office (Canada) on operational matters
- Provided cover for staff shortages at other branches, demonstrating flexibility and reliability across locations
Trainee Optical Assistant - Specsavers - Hertfordshire
(2022-05 - 2022-06)
- Booked client appointments, operated the autorefractor, carried out tonometry, fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography
Barista Maestro - Costa Coffee - Bedfordshire
(2020-03 - 2022-05)
- Worked in a high-pressure, high-volume environment, handling orders, transactions, and drink/food preparation to consistent quality standards
- Operated independently during Covid lockdown periods with reduced staffing, taking on full shift responsibility without direct supervision
- Held key-holder responsibilities, including opening/closing the store and cashing up
- Maintained stock replenishment and cleaning standards to meet brand compliance
- Collaborated within a team while also demonstrating capability to run the unit solo when required
Host - Poplars Garden Centre Restaurant - Bedfordshire
(2019-10 - 2020-03)
- Supported daily restaurant setup and close-down, serving customers and coordinating with kitchen staff to keep service running smoothly
Dispatch Assistant - Emma Brighton - Bedfordshire
(2019-08 - 2019-10)
- Fulfilled and packaged online orders for courier dispatch, maintaining accuracy under order-volume deadlines
Salon Assistant - Salon 84 - Hertfordshire
(2019-04 - 2019-04)
Work Experience
- Supported client care and observed appointments, salon operations and customer service
Print Finisher - Ocean Print Solutions - Bedfordshire
(2018-02 - 2018-03)
- Carried out print finishing, collating and binding work to production standards
Salon Assistant - Aspects Hair Design - Bedfordshire
(2017-04 - 2017-04)
Work Experience
- Assisted with general salon duties and daily studio maintenance
Education
Hairdressing Level 2 Diploma - Hairdressing - North Hertfordshire College (2017-09 - 2019-06)
GCSEs - Harlington Upper School (2015-09 - 2017-06)
Online Course - Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part One - HarvardX on edX (2023-06 - 2023-09)
Online Course - Justice - HarvardX on edX (2023-02 - 2023-05)
Online Course - The Health Effects of Climate Change - HarvardX on edX (2020-06 - 2020-09)
