JUMP TO CONTENT
Elsie_Deocampo

Global journey led to local ownership

Written byKim Grecia
Posting date: 07 Oct 2025

Elsie Deocampo has had a truly varied career in optics that she’s taken with her across the globe. Starting out over two decades ago as an optometrist in the Philippines, she then developed her business skills on the retail side of a clinic in Dubai – and now in Canada, she’s the retail partner at Gerrard Square in Toronto. 

Hear from Elsie on why it felt right to start a partnership.

“I’ve always had the goal of opening my own store. The idea of creating something of my own, where I could lead a team and deliver great customer care, really motivated me. So when Specsavers began offering partnership opportunities, I saw it as the perfect chance and didn’t hesitate to start my own business.”

“One of the main things that stopped me from starting sooner was not having the right support system. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Specsavers provided the structure, guidance, and resources I needed. I wasn’t just joining a brand – I was becoming part of a business that truly values its partners and invests in their growth.”

“Partnership at Specsavers gives you the independence of running your own business, with the ongoing support of a trusted brand behind you in areas like marketing, operations, and training. That level of support made all the difference, and it assured me that I wouldn’t be making the journey alone.”                                                                                      

“Another plus was the company’s strong reputation for delivering quality care and making eyewear more affordable, as well as their guiding mission of changing lives through better sight. This deeply aligned with my values as a healthcare professional, especially after witnessing first-hand that quality eyecare isn’t always accessible.”

 “I often share this with new team members during training. We focus on helping our customers based on their vision needs, budget, and lifestyle – not on upselling to meet sales targets. This approach builds trust and long-lasting relationships with both our customers and our team. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re here to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

“Now, I’m so proud to have been able to open two Specsavers locations just two weeks apart – an exciting yet challenging experience. It’s a real testament to the teamwork and dedication that made this possible. I’m lucky to have a great team and business partner in Dr. Diana Zhang to share in this success.”

Written byKim Grecia
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

“It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey” - Mandeep's path to partnership

Teaser

Partnership

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

01/06/2026

Summary

Mandeep Sandhu decided to apply for partnership with Specsavers just three months after he joined as an optician. Now, he’s a business owner and retail partner at Specsavers Centre on Barton in Hamilt

Teaser

Read more
Specsavers named as one of the World’s Best Workplaces

Teaser

Life at Specsavers

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/15/2025

Summary

Specsavers has been ranked in World’s Best WorkplacesTM for the second year in a row, placing 12th. Specsavers is the top retailer in the list, moving up four places from last year. Specsavers was cho

Teaser

Read more
Marking a major milestone in Canada

Teaser

Life at Specsavers

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/17/2025

Summary

Just four years ago, Specsavers entered the Canadian market with a bold vision: make quality eyecare and eyewear more accessible, affordable, and rewarding, for both customers and optometrists. Today,

Teaser

Read more
Diana_Zhang
Transitioning from associate optometrist to business owner

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

09/04/2025

Summary

Dr. Diana Zhang has always been fascinated by the science of vision and how even small changes in eye health can significantly impact daily life. This curiosity led her to a career in optometry, worki

Teaser

Read more
Specsavers to open 111 new optical locations in Loblaw grocery stores across Canada

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/29/2025

Summary

Specsavers Canada Inc. (“Specsavers”) and Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX:L; "Loblaw") today announced a transformative relationship that will see 111 new Specsavers locations open within Lobla

Teaser

Read more
Learnings from becoming a business owner with Specsavers

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Tst Blog

Publish date

07/22/2025

Summary

Dr Lisjen Puka tells us what it’s like from his perspective as a clinic owner and optometry partner at Specsavers Dorval Crossing. What led you to a partnership with Specsavers?I’ve always wanted to h

Teaser

Read more
Locally owned and run: Specsavers’ coast-to-coast expansion reaches Nova Scotia

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/03/2025

Summary

Following successful participation at the Canadian Association of Optometry Congress in Halifax last week, Specsavers, a leading eyecare and eyewear provider committed to accessible, high-quality visi

Teaser

Read more
Understanding Canada’s most common cause of vision loss

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/29/2025

Summary

Dr. Ian Scholfield, Optometry Partner at Specsavers Woodgrove Centre, shares helpful facts about one of Canada’s most common eyecare concerns and why regular exams matter.Fact 1: Cataracts are a commo

Teaser

Read more
Facing the future together

Teaser

Life at Specsavers

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/08/2025

Summary

Facing the future together Here for the long-term, for everyone At a time when businesses are feeling the weight of economic uncertainty, it’s more important than eve

Teaser

Read more
How I started a clinic and optical business for myself - Dr. Anson Tam

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2025

Summary

Dr. Anson Tam, Optometry Partner at Specsavers CF Markville Mall, shares the unexpected journey that inspired him to open his own independent clinic and optical business — and how Specsavers hel

Teaser

Read more
View more jobs
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Lead Optometrist

Salary

Competitive

Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Contract Type

Contractor

Area of Interest

Associate Optometrist

Location

Ottawa

Description

The roleNew Year. Same Expertise. More Flexibility Opportunities across Canada   Ready to take control of your career and run your own clinic? Specsavers is looking for Independent Optometrist across

Reference

sf-88020-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Jia Dafu

Author

Jia Dafu
Jia Dafu

Author

Jia Dafu
View job
Optician / Retail Partner Ownership

Salary

Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Store ID

6632

Contract Type

Permanent

Area of Interest

Retail Partner

Location

Toronto

Description

Retail Partner – Establish your optical store and make your mark on community eye healthYork, ON - North Park PlazaSpecsavers is the world’s largest, privately-owned optical retailer. Our journey bega

Reference

sf-88228-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View job
Optician / Retail Partnership Opportunities (Up to $10K Relocation Support Available)

Salary

Location

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Store ID

6162

Contract Type

Permanent

Area of Interest

Retail Partner

Location

Calgary

Description

Looking for a fresh start? Specsavers is ready to help you make the move - and we’ll support you financially along the way.Specsavers Canada continues to grow rapidly, with more than 270 independent s

Reference

sf-88073-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View job
View more jobs