What is Pathway?
Pathway is a business development program designed to support experienced optical and retail professionals who are ready to take the next step toward practice ownership. Since its launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2012, the program has continued to evolve in line with changing consumer expectations and clinical best practice to ensure our partners are ready to meet the demands of the future.
Program scope
Our program equips participants with the critical skills, confidence, and commercial understanding needed to lead teams, manage a business, and ultimately become a Specsavers Joint Venture Partner (JVP). Over several months, participants engage in a blend of leadership training, commercial development, self‑reflection, and hands‑on experience—supported throughout by dedicated program mentors, the Regional Support Team, and the Pathway Team.
The Pathway Program continues to evolve to ensure it develops the essential business management and leadership capabilities that complement participants’ existing clinical, dispensing, or retail expertise. The program provides team members with the practical knowledge and confidence required to step into partnership and successfully operate their own Specsavers store.
Program content
The Pathway Program prepares you for Joint Venture Partnership by developing 5 key capabilities:
Self-Development allows you to take ownership of your growth, seek feedback, and use tools like DISC profiling to adapt your approach.
Change Management enables you to lead change effectively through a store project that improves commercial or operational performance.
Leadership teaches you to drive high team performance by tailoring your leadership style and supporting team development.
Commercial Awareness ensures you understand business levers, interpret the stores reporting, and make informed decisions for future success.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Pathway, retail leaders must be working full-time as a Supervisor or Store Manager in a Specsavers store, while optometrists require at least two years of full‑time experience within a Specsavers practice. All applicants are expected to demonstrate strong commercial acumen and proven leadership capabilities.
Work in store
You will need to be working full time in one of our Specsavers stores.
01
Let us know
Register your interest with your Store Partner, Regional Relationship Manager or our Pathway Team.
02
Explore your strengths
Sit a pathway pre-assessment with our dedicated team members.
03
Get started
Once you have successfully completed your pre-assessment, you will then be aligned to one of our upcoming Pathway intakes.
04
Ready to find out more?
Are you looking to take the next step in your optometry, audiology or retail career? We’re always happy to have a chat about how we can help you get to where you want to be.
Contact us to find out moreMeet the team
Our Pathway and Partner Recruitment Teams are here to help you take the next step in your career.
Carly Parkinson
Kimberley Forbes
Alyssa Petta
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Emily Dunkin
Wiki Watling
Gabby Blair
Becoming a partner
Specsavers stores are powered by the passion and expertise of our Optometry, Audiology and Retail partners. Explore each field to discover how partnership works — and whether it’s the right next step for you.
Rey Dayap’s journey from an introduction to successful Audiology Partner
Read more
Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/11/2025
Summary
“Specsavers is not a business where we decide where the opportunities are; it’s driven by our partners’ needs.” – Amanda La Ferla, Specsavers Audiology. “Specsavers is not a business where we decide
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