This is Specsavers

This is Specsavers

We’ve always challenged ourselves to do things differently

That’s how we started – stirring up the British market in 1984 by being the first optical retailer to provide affordable glasses to everyone – and that will always be our way. That purpose is now firmly established as part of our DNA as we care for over 42 million customers globally, together with more than 46,000 partners and employees.

Where it all began

It’s 1984, on the small Channel Island of Guernsey, when the optometrist couple Doug and Mary Perkins lay the foundation of their new optical company. They revolutionised the market by offering affordable glasses to everyone. And that wasn’t all they did: they also started what we now know as the joint venture partnership model, meaning that every store is part-owned by one, or more, store ‘partners’.

Even though we have grown over the years, the Perkins family is still very much involved. While Doug and Mary expanded the business to Australia and New Zealand, their son John took care of the day-to-day business as joint CEO. Daughter Katherine is responsible for internal audits, while youngest daughter Julie made sure the Dutch got to know Specsavers in the nineties.

The couple won’t even think about retiring – they will continue until everyone has access to the best eye care.

When talking numbers, this is Specsavers in 2022/23

46 358

partners and employees

2 615

stores

625 766

hearing aids sold

561 million

contact lenses sold

23,3 million

frames sold

3.55 billion

total revenue (in pounds)

By joining Specsavers, you become part of our family

We are ambitious, hard-working and always strive to be the best. With that same spirit, optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins started Specsavers in 1984 – and it’s what defines us still today.

Even after all those years, Specsavers remains a family-owned company. Our core value of ‘treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves’ keeps the family feeling in our DNA. It’s the most important part of our culture – it’s how we approach each other and our customers in a warm, friendly and informal way. When you join us, you’ll notice that being part of Specsavers is all about having fun, being yourself and treating each other as equals – no matter what your role is.

Personal growth for everyone

We’re only as strong as our team. That’s why we make sure that every one of our people has the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever they choose that to be. From personal development plans to training courses. From profit shares to pension schemes, from global travel to the tools you need to do your job. No matter if you join our store team or support office, you’ll be encouraged to be the best you can be. To take responsibility for the work you do – and to have fun while you’re doing it.

Specsavers Northern European Support Office is one of the Best Workplaces

Awards are worth a thousand words – so we’re incredibly proud that our NESO office in Copenhagen is awarded the number 9 best workplace in Denmark! More than 98% of our colleagues genuinely feel our support office is a great place to work. They say that’s because of our unique family culture where people care for one another, because they’re proud to contribute to people’s vision needs, and because of the trust and flexibility they get. And there’s more. But with everything, it’s hard to put into words – you got to feel it for yourself.

Work-life-party balance

Our people thrive on the high pace of the retail industry and dare to take chances. Without their drive and expertise, we wouldn’t be who we are or where we are today. That’s why we always strive to improve the way we do things and make Specsavers an even better place to work. Like making sure people can balance their work and private life, and throwing some fun parties now and then to celebrate all their hard work.

Living is giving

It feels good to do good – that’s what we experience year after year when we travel to Tanzania, East Africa. Since 2010, volunteers from our Nordic stores have run eye tests in remote areas of the country and handed out recycled glasses to those in need. And that’s not all we do: with giving back to the local community as one of our values, we encourage all our people to support charity and social causes and change lives for the better.

Tell us who you are.

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