Meet Rosie Stringfellow, Head of Lenses

Tell us about your career background and your journey at Specsavers  

I’ve been in the optical industry for 15 years. I started out as an optical assistant for a national chain in the UK as a part time job while I was finishing school. I decided that university wasn’t for me, so I went full time, supporting customers during their eye exam and buying glasses and contact lenses. After a great few years, I went to work for a contact lens manufacturer in their sales team covering all corners of the UK and growing contact lens businesses across the optical sector. 

I joined Specsavers in 2017 as a contact lens portfolio manager in the UK and Ireland product team. After some brilliant years in that role, I took a sidestep to try something new and went to work in the retail support team as a regional relationship manager where I supported our partners in four different regions in the UK. After two years, the opportunity arose to come to Canada, and I jumped at the chance to be part of setting up Specsavers in a new market! It took me back to my passion of contact lenses and gave the chance to help build that part of our business from scratch.  

During the 2.5 years I’ve been in Canada, I’ve consistently been in contact lenses but also had the opportunity to work in clinical operations, and now I’ve started a third opportunity looking after contact lenses and ophthalmic lenses as the Head of Lenses. So, it’s safe to say, the possibilities are endless at Specsavers! 

How did Specsavers help and support your development?  

The biggest support I have had is the people I’ve worked with who have coached me, mentored me and pushed me to do more. They’ve really got to know me, what drives me, where I need help, and just believed in me (even when I didn’t believe in myself). I wouldn’t be where I am without their support! Specsavers is also really open to experimenting with dual roles, maximizing transferrable skills, and investing time and energy in to helping you get where you want. 

What gives you pride in your role?  

I love seeing what we’re doing to open up access to care and affordable eyewear in Canada. I’m also so excited about the opportunity we have with contact lenses, giving more Canadians the chance to experience the freedom they offer more affordably. It’s a really proud time for me to lead that part of our business, and these few years in Canada have certainly been the proudest I’ve been in any part of my career. The team is incredible, which really shows in what we have achieved in such a short time. 

What have you learned during your time at Specsavers?  

That anything is possible and that if you work hard and consistently prioritize doing the right thing for your team and for customers, then you will thrive. 

What would you say to encourage someone thinking about applying? 

Don’t hesitate, just go for it. If you want a challenge, a brilliant set of people to work with, a company with endless possibilities, then you’ll never look back. 

What do you love about working at Specsavers?  

The people – I’ve made friends for life in all corners of the globe, with so many diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. The shared common goal we all have is so amazing to be around, I really feel like we are making a difference every day. 

What one word would you use to describe the Specsavers culture? 

Unique. 

Finally, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work 

While I’m living on this side of the world, I love travelling around North America and finding the best new restaurants and bars (I’m known for my recommendation lists)! And to balance it out I love to run, be outdoors hiking, or on the water in the British Columbia summer.