Personal Profile

Alastair
Topper

Optical Assistant Dundee, Scotland Open to opportunities in Västra Götaland County, Sweden

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About me

I'm an Optical Assistant working in community optometry at Asda in Dundee, where I support a busy optical practice delivering high-quality patient care and clinical support.

My day-to-day involves pre-testing patients, frame fitting and adjustments, Supra repairs, and helping patients find eyewear that suits both their prescription and lifestyle. I am actively developing my clinical knowledge through the Leonardo EssilorLuxottica platform, having completed the Dispensing Optician Advanced, Dispensing Optician Essentials, and Optical Assistant Advanced programmes alongside 80+ individual modules.

Before moving into optics, I spent over 12 years as a General Insurance Broker — a background that gave me strong skills in communication, client relationships, regulatory compliance, and working with complex information quickly and accurately. Those skills translate well into a patient-facing healthcare setting.

I'm keen to develop further within the optical sector, whether through additional qualifications, broader dispensing experience, or opportunities to progress within a practice environment — including in Sweden, where I am currently learning the language.

My longer term goal is to qualify as a Dispensing Optician and I am actively working towards that.

2+
Years in optics
80+
CPD modules completed
14+
Years professional experience

Experience

Mar 2024 — Present
Optical Assistant
Asda, Dundee · Part-time

Supporting a busy optical practice serving patients across Dundee.

  • Patient pre-testing — visual acuity, tonometry, auto-refraction
  • Frame fitting, measurements, adjustments and repairs
  • Advising patients on lens options, coatings, and frame styles
  • Supporting the optometrist in delivering a smooth, patient-centred service
  • Ongoing training via the Leonardo EssilorLuxottica platform — 80+ modules completed
Aug 2021 — Jul 2024
Warehouse Associate
Asda, Dundee · Part-time

Stock management, palletised goods handling, bendi forklift operation in high warehouse racking, and delivery unloading across single and double deck trailers.

Jan 2020 — Nov 2020
Driver
Forde Recruitment Ltd · Part-time

Collection and delivery of cars and vans on behalf of finance companies following end of lease or finance agreements.

Jul 2007 — Jan 2020
Insurance Broker
Independent Insurance Consultants (Scotland) Ltd, Montrose · Full-time

General Insurance Broker handling personal and commercial lines, excluding life and pensions. Managed client portfolios, prepared quotes, renewals and mid-term adjustments, and ensured compliance with FCA regulatory requirements. Platforms: SSP Electra M3, SSP Pure Broking, Applied TAM, OpenGi.

Dec 1999 — Jul 2007
Bookseller & Sunday Duty Manager
Waterstones, Dundee · Part-time

Advanced to Sunday Duty Manager, overseeing store operations, cash handling, and floor staff performance. Managed Goods Inwards/Outwards and targeted commercial buying. Previously trading as James Thin Booksellers and Ottakars PLC before acquisition by Waterstones.

Certifications

Programme
Dispensing Optician Advanced
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Mar 2026
Programme
Dispensing Optician Essentials
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Mar 2026
Programme
Optical Assistant Advanced
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Dec 2025
Programme
Optical Assistant Essentials
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Sep 2025
Programme
Receptionist Advanced
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Dec 2025
Programme
Receptionist Essentials
Leonardo EssilorLuxottica · Dec 2025

Plus 80+ individual modules covering:

Lens Technology Progressive Lenses Photochromic Lenses Contact Lenses Frame Fitting Lens Centration Prism & Prescription Manual Focimeter Patient Communication Patient Service Inventory Management Dispensing Practice Mathematical Calculations Light Management

CooperVision — 9 courses completed

Course
LensQuest
CooperVision · May 2026
Course
Biofinity® Toric Multifocal Product Training
CooperVision · Dec 2025
Course
Biofinity® Family Product Training
CooperVision · Dec 2025
Course
Espresso Module — Contact Lens Application & Removal Training (Parts One & Two)
CooperVision · Jul 2025
Course
Myopia Management Front of House
CooperVision · Oct 2024
Course
Communicating with Children
CooperVision · Oct 2024
Course
Retail Communication Course
CooperVision · Oct 2024
Course
Contact Lenses: Improve Your Knowledge, Improve Your Service
CooperVision · Oct 2024
Course
Why People Need Glasses
CooperVision · Oct 2024
Licence
Forklift Operation
Mentor Training · Oct 2021 · Valid whilst employed at Asda
Certificate
Microsoft Excel — Basic
GoSkills.com · Jun 2016

Skills

Clinical & Optical
Pretesting
Optical Dispensing
Frame Fitting & Adjustments
Progressive & Bifocal Lenses
OCT & Visual Field Testing
Tonometry & Auto-refraction
Fundus Photography
Contact Lens Care
Professional
Patient Care
Communication
Customer Service
Problem Solving
Teamwork
Languages
English
Swedish (learning)
French (basic)

Contact