Optometrist
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
—
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2252 (100% match) is an eligible occupation, and Vision Express is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, Vision Express assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2252 jobs, according to the Home Office.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2252 Optometrists Most likely code | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
The Role
Salary: Up to £73,000 (subject to your experience and location)
Car allowance: £4,000
Location: Bridgend
Working hours: Part time / Friday and Saturday (15.5 hours per week)
Our Bridgend store has 1 test room, which is fully equipped with OCT and auto phoropter. Set on this high street, with easy access to parking and public transport, this store has a well-established team of 5 providing support.
What You'll Get
At Vision Express, we’ve built rewards that give you more. Depending on the options you choose, your total reward package (for full-time roles) typically includes c.£11,000 in additional benefits on top of your basic salary and car allowance.*
- 33 days’ annual leave: Your time outside the test room matters. That’s why your annual leave grows with you, rising to 38 days inc. bank holidays.
- Sales and performance-based bonus: Our bonus scheme rewards your performance, with an on-target bonus of up to £5,040 and the potential for higher rewards when your store achieves beyond expectations.
- Private medical cover for you and your family: We go the extra mile when it comes to your health. With private medical cover, not just for you, but for your family too.
- Life assurance: With life assurance worth four times your salary, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected, whatever happens.
- Overtime opportunities: Exclusive to Vision Express, the TG Pool is our network that gives optometrists flexibility to pick up shifts paid at 80% of the locum rate.
- Share in our success: We periodically offer colleagues the opportunity to participate in share purchase plans, providing an attractive way to share in EssilorLuxottica’s long-term growth and success.
If this sounds like the role for you, we'd love to hear about your ideal working week. Whether that's alternate days or a compressed week, we are open to discussing flexible options.
Who We're Looking For
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you:
- Are a qualified, GOC registered optometrist
- Use your clinical expertise to deliver a clear diagnosis that builds patient confidence
- Enjoy being part of a team - sharing ideas, supporting colleagues, and working together
- Contribute to the commercial success of the store - focusing on performance, growth, and delivering an outstanding customer experience
- Bring confidence, passion, and genuine enthusiasm for making a difference to people’s lives
With 590+ stores across the UK, Ireland, and Jersey, we’re a leading optical retailer and an innovative med-tech business. Backed by EssilorLuxottica, we’re investing in you - your skills, your ambitions, and your future.
- Please note: The total reward package of up to £11,000 in benefits is dependent on the options you select, your role, the store, and length of service. Not all benefits may be available to all colleagues, and the value of some benefits may vary. TG Pool shifts are paid at 80% of the locum rate for the first shift worked each week. For full details, please get in touch with our recruitment team at [email protected]
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Vision Express, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Optometrists (SOC 2252) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~10k in sample- Middle half £38,688–~59,384
- Median £49,036
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Vision Express holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, Vision Express assigned 7 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2252 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
Skilled Worker roles must clear both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. See our occupation eligibility guide for the current figures.