"When helping customers choose their frames, I always ask them their colour and shape preference. If they don't have any, I will recommend different frames based on their face shape. For example, someone with a square face looks better with rounded frames. I will pull a few frames out and let the customer try them on. I will then tweak my recommendations based on their opinion of those frames until they find the perfect ones."

"I completed a two-year opticianry programme with Seneca College. This allowed me to take the NACOR National Optical Sciences Examination and become a licenced Optician in Ontario. I then completed a contact lens programme and examination to become a licenced contact lens fitter in Ontario, so I am a dual-licenced optician."

"To fix bent metal frames, I use plastic-tipped pliers and carefully bend the metal into shape. To fix bent plastic frames, I warm the plastic with warm water and delicately bend the frames to re-shape them. Then, I will let them cool and allow the plastic to harden again before giving them back to the customer."

"Before recommending glasses or contacts, I get to know the patient's history with eyewear, their prescription and their lifestyle to make an informed recommendation. For example, an active person may prefer contacts while someone that looks at a computer a lot may prefer glasses. Considering their medical history is important as well as those with dry eyes, allergies, and those prone to eye infections will have a harder time with contacts, so I would recommend glasses."

"An optometrist is an eye doctor. This means they are able to examine, diagnose, and treat eye conditions. They will be the ones performing eye tests to give you an accurate prescription for your glasses or contacts. Opticians use that prescription to fit customers with eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists and opticians typically work together at a vision care centre."

"In my previous role, I worked closely with an optometrist at his office. When he completed vision tests on customers, I would use their prescription to help them find the perfect glasses or contacts. I would measure, fit, and adjust glasses for customers when they came to pick them. When there were no customers, I would perform administrative work, such as updating files, scheduling appointments, and following up with customers."

"Bifocal lenses have two focal points that allow you to view objects from a distance from the upper part and nearby from the lower part. Progressive lenses have three different focal points for you to view objects from a further distance, an intermediate distance, and nearby. As the change between focal points is more gradual with progressive lenses, they tend to be easier to get used to. But, bifocal lenses offer a clearer picture."

"In my previous role, I used chemical solutions to clean glasses for customers. I also used bracing tools and screwdrivers for small parts on glasses to adjust them. To check the properties of lenses, I used a lensometer. I would be happy to learn how to use any other equipment you prefer as well."

"In my previous position, we did have to meet certain sales quotas every month and year. I worked with two other opticians, and we were all responsible for meeting these quotas. We prioritised patient care and their needs, but were always able to meet sales quotas as well."

"Since you have a square-shaped face, I would recommend these oval-shaped or round frames. They flatter square-shaped faces by softening the hard angles and balancing out your look. As your face is smaller as well, these thin frames won't overwhelm your features."

"To provide excellent customer service, I always greet customers with a smile as soon as they come in. I will ask them if they need any help and let them peruse until they're ready. I will get to know the customer's needs and preferences then make specific recommendations based on them. Once the customer picks a pair of glasses or contacts, I will explain our process for preparing them and answer any questions they have."

"The most difficult customer I have worked with insisted I gave him the wrong pair of glasses. I had worked with him the week before when he picked out the pair and tried them on. When they were ready and he came back to pick them up, he didn't like them and argued they were the wrong pair. I showed him the pair we had on display that he tried on the week before, and he insisted he didn't. I gave the customer the opportunity to pick a new pair of glasses so he was happy."

"To ensure a customer's glasses fit them, I ask them to put the pair on. I will check if the frame is straight and that the lenses are the same distance apart. I will adjust the bridge as necessary and contour the ends of the frame to the customer's head. Between each adjustment, I will get the customer to try on the glasses so I can see whether they fit."

"The biggest error I made with a customer was sending them home with the wrong glasses. Two customers bought the same pair of glasses the week before and I mixed them up. So, each customer went home with the wrong prescription. It took two weeks for one customer to realise and bring them back. I called the other customer, and they were able to come in at the same time and switch the pairs after I cleaned them. I learned to double-check every prescription and pair of glasses I give out."

"When a customer is buying contact lenses for the first time, I will always explain how to care for them and warn customers about potential complications. For example, they may be uncomfortable at first and hard to put in. Similarly, if the customer doesn't clean them properly, it can lead to eye infections or even scratches on their eye."