Khalil’s story: Overcoming vision barriers to achieve my dream career

My lived experience of community support and inclusivity in the optical industry

By Khalil Musani, Retail Partner at Specsavers Lawrence Allen Centre

At six months old, I embarked on a peculiar eye health journey shaped by my diagnoses of astigmatism, nystagmus, and achromatopsia. Looking back, I understand how unconventional it is to spend so much of your childhood visiting specialists. However, while I was navigating the intricacies of short-sightedness, colour blindness and severe light sensitivity, I know my experience was unique in that I never felt I was treated differently by my family and my peers.

Growing up I had dreams of becoming an optometrist, but I quickly learned that there were limitations to that career path, due to my own vision impairment. I didn’t let that stop my desire to contribute meaningfully to eye health and the industry. My parents, who never wanted me to feel like I was living in a bubble, challenged me to grow and succeed, and instilled confidence that I could do anything I put my mind to. I still hear the words of my father every day, “The only thing standing in your way is you.”

My mother was working at a Specsavers in the UK – the same Specsavers location that showed me so much care when I was fitted for new glasses at 11 years old. It was the care I received during my first fitting that drew me to the company. Marked by my positive eyecare experiences in my adolescence, I began working part-time at that location caring for customers and conducting pre-test screenings.

At that time, I was 16 years old with no retail experience, but Specsavers welcomed and provided me with the training I needed. My time at Specsavers has been transformative. It was inspiring to many people to see my career progression and the opportunities that could exist for me, despite perceived challenges with vision impairment. I found fulfillment in roles that exceeded my initial expectations, and I became an in-store trainer at the age of 19. I started the role shy and unsure how to motivate and train 30 colleagues at once, but it took no time for my passion to take over and drive my success. It’s been the journey of a lifetime from then to now.

Mentoring and leading others to share the same passion for quality care and service was my calling, and I gained confidence in the realization that I had found what I was born to do. My journey exemplifies a career at Specsavers, where opportunities to grow feel endless and individuals are supported to feel successful, regardless of their background or challenges.

When opportunity came knocking again, I embraced it and started my very own business as the Retail Partner of Specsavers Lawrence Allen Centre. Becoming a business owner of an optical retail store represented a culmination of my aspirations – to lead my own team and make a tangible impact on eye health outcomes. I have embraced this role thanks to the unwavering support from the Specsavers community and my family.

The robust support system provided by Specsavers, both in the UK and Canada, has been central to my success. From mentorship programs to a dedicated retail support team, Specsavers has equipped me with the tools and resources needed to excel on this path. This support extends beyond professional realms, encompassing a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie that fosters personal growth and resilience.

As I reflect on my lived experience so far, my two pieces of advice for individuals in similar shoes to me are: embrace your unique identity, regardless of perceived challenges or limitations, and lean on your support system – people will help you get to where you need to go.

Whatever barrier you might have, I hope you seize opportunities, overcome hurdles and defy expectations. And remember, you are not alone in your journey when you have a great team behind you.