College Lecturer - Contact Lens Optician

Scienceabode; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical education provider near Canterbury is seeking a College Lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing. This flexible position welcomes qualified Dispensing Opticians or Contact Lens Opticians looking to transition into teaching, offering strong support and a rewarding career path. Responsibilities include delivering courses and mentoring students. Benefits include a competitive salary starting from £36,000, generous holiday, and pension contributions.

Benefits

30 days holiday

10% employer pension contribution

Subsidised on-site accommodation

Qualifications

• FBDO-qualified Dispensing Optician or Contact Lens Optician required.
• GOC and ABDO registration essential.
• Experience in mentoring advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver teaching across pre-dispensing and FBDO diploma programmes.
• Develop course content and materials.
• Support students with their professional development.

Skills

FBDO Qualification

GOC Registration

Confident Communication

Organisational Skills

Education

Teaching Qualification

Job description

College Lecturer – Ophthalmic Dispensing
Full or Part Time | Godmersham, Canterbury | From £38,500 | Optical Education Provider

Zest Optical are currently recruiting for a Lecturer in Ophthalmic Dispensing to join a leading optical education provider based near Canterbury.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Dispensing Optician or Contact Lens Optician to move into a teaching role and help shape the future of the profession. Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work, this position offers flexibility, strong development support, and a rewarding career path.

No prior teaching experience is required – full training and support will be provided. If you're passionate about optics and want to guide the next generation of professionals, this could be the perfect step.

The Role

• Deliver teaching across pre-dispensing and FBDO diploma programmes
• Lead subject areas and help develop course content and learning materials
• Support students with assessments, portfolios and professional development
• Use a mix of face‑to‑face and blended learning methods
• Up to 20 hours of teaching per week (pro rata)
• Full or part time roles available (minimum 2 days per week)
• Based in Godmersham, Canterbury – hybrid working available outside teaching weeks
• Occasional travel to a national training centre (Birmingham)

The Person

• FBDO‑qualified Dispensing Optician or Contact Lens Optician
• GOC and ABDO registered
• Teaching qualification desirable but not essential
• Confident communicator with good organisation skills
• Experience mentoring or supporting colleagues in practice is a strong advantage
• Interest in education, training, and professional development

Benefits

• Salary starting from £36,000 (dependent on experience)
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• No weekend working
• 10% employer pension contribution (5% employee)
• 5 days allocated annually for CPD and staff training
• Subsidised on-site accommodation (if required)
• Free parking
• ABDO membership and pro‑rata support with GOC fees

How to Apply

To apply, please email your CV to or call for more details

£36000 – £40000/annum