A passion for people and the partnership that made it possible

Retail Partner Rebecca Ganong at Specsavers Campbell Road, Real Atlantic Superstore in Rothesay, NB, reflects on her path to partnership, what drew her to Specsavers, and the difference accessible eyecare is making in her community.

1.       Tell us about your optical / optometry journey.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always known that I wanted to work closely with people. Connecting with others has always come naturally to me. After graduating high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted to be part of a community-focused profession.

When the opportunity to become a dual-licensed optician was introduced to me, I immediately fell in love with the idea. The ability to create meaningful one-on-one connections and make a positive difference in the lives of everyone who walks through the door is incredibly rewarding.

Now, with over a decade in the industry, there isn’t a single moment I would change. Being an optician is more than just my career — it’s who I am.

Prior to joining Specsavers, I spent nearly a decade with Theodore & Pringle Optical. During my time there, I grew from a full-time optician into a managerial role, gaining valuable experience in both patient care and leadership. Within the last year, I was excited to begin a new chapter by joining the Specsavers family as a Retail Partner. 

2.      What motivated you to open your own store?

I’ve always known that I wanted to do more than remain at the managerial level. Owning and building a store of my own had always been in the back of my mind, but I never felt I had the resources or business background to make that dream a reality.

As soon as I received an email about the opportunity with Specsavers, I immediately began looking into it. The chance to own my own store and shape the environment into something I had always envisioned was incredibly exciting. Specsavers has given me that opportunity, and with their ongoing support and endless possibilities, it truly feels like a dream come true. 

3.      What inspired you to make the change to partner with Specsavers?

From the moment I joined Specsavers, I knew it was the right decision for me. This company is truly focused on the needs of the patient, not simply the dollar value at the end of a visit. At the heart of everything we do is a genuine desire to help people and make a meaningful difference within the community.

4.     How’s business going?

Since opening our doors in December 2025 we have built so many meaningful connections within the community, and we look forward to continuing to grow those relationships for years to come.

Our eye exams book up quickly, there is high demand from the community for our services, which speaks volumes about the support we’ve received from the community. However, the thing I am most proud of is my team. They go above and beyond to ensure every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.

5.      How do you see your role contributing to the wellbeing of your local community?

In my current role, I plan to make community engagement a central part of our weekly structure. I believe that showing up for your community is essential people want to see and feel that you are genuinely present, supportive and confident in the care you provide.

I want our community to know that we, as Specsavers in Rothesay, NB, are here to help. Never hesitate to reach out, never feel as though you need to delay an eye exam, and never go without proper vision care. We are here, we care and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the eyecare they need and deserve.

6.     Is there anything that you would like to add? 

As Specsavers is still relatively new to the Maritimes, it is not a new business. It has been around for over forty years. One thing I would like other licensed opticians to know is that becoming a Retail Partner with Specsavers has been truly life-changing for me. It has been incredibly rewarding, and I feel as though I am only at the very beginning of this journey.

The connections and support within this company are exceptional. No matter the challenge or question, there is always someone available to guide, support and collaborate with you.

I encourage others to take the time to learn more about Specsavers, to have open conversations, and to truly understand the meaningful work being done within the community and the continued vision for the future.