
Flexible foundations that built a career
Sign Up For Post Alerts
Join Tomi Fayefunmi, Optometrist at Specsavers Hempstead Valley, as he shares how the flexibility at Specsavers Hempstead Valley has enhanced both his personal and professional life.
“I started working at Specsavers during sixth form while I was still figuring out my career path” Tomi recalls. “Honestly, I had no idea what I wanted to do after school, other than finding a role where I could grow professionally while helping people. It was only during my work experience that I realised a career in optometry would give me just that. What appealed to me was the flexibility in shaping my future. There are so many paths you can take and so many doors that open as your skills develop.”
Balancing work and life
“One of the best things about my job is that flexibility. It extends to the hours I work too. I do condensed hours, so I get a four-day workweek. That extra day off is a game-changer – it gives me time to do what I love and really helps with job satisfaction. It’s a nice balance between being professional and having time to relax with friends and family. The store partners here are really accommodating with workdays and holidays, which makes balancing work and personal life so much easier.
Even though I commute from Essex, the 30-40 minute drive is totally manageable. The relaxed atmosphere at the store really helps me plan my day efficiently. This flexibility makes it easier to handle follow-up appointments, unexpected patients, and supervise colleagues, all of which make my work experience really fulfilling.”
Looking to the future
“Looking ahead, I want to expand my skills with additional qualifications like Independent Prescribing and Medical Retina. I’ve already talked to the store partners here, and they’re supportive. Plus, I’m lucky to have a great team around me. Some of them are further along in their careers and are always willing to help. Next year, I’ll get to supervise a new pre-reg optometrist, which will be a great chance to learn about leadership and support the next generation, just like others have supported me.”
Tags
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/17/2025
Summary
After 10 years of being an audiologist in a high-street store, Hasan knew he was ready for a change. With a shift in the demographic of people coming into stores and an increase in requests for home
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/17/2025
Summary
From Zoology to Optometry - a journey of discovery James Roberts recently celebrated a significant milestone in his career journey by achieving a distinction in his Lab Technician Apprenticeship. Addi

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/11/2025
Summary
Mark Devlin may have started his career working in store at Specsavers as “a stepping stone” but 10 years later he’s Audiology Home Visits Director and Partner. He tells us why he’s got the best work
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/11/2025
Summary
Lynne has been with Specsavers for over 20 years – starting out as an Optical Assistant and growing her career to become one of the first to become an Audiology Director, for Specsavers Edinburgh Hom
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
Embarking on a journey in optics Imagine starting your career journey as a 14-year-old schoolboy, stepping into the world of optics at Specsavers Dundee. This is where Marc Funai's adventure began. "

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/26/2025
Summary
From forensics to optics - Linzi tells us her story Linzi Mcculla, Apprentice Optical Assistant, tells us about her journey from university to an apprenticeship and how the change in direction has h

Teaser
PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/23/2025
Summary
Dan's career began in optics, but it wasn't long before he found himself exploring new horizons. "I was a Dispensing Optician originally, but I hit a bit of a glass ceiling," Dan explained. "The only
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/19/2025
Summary
"Building meaningful connections – it’s retail, with a difference" Estelle Foster, an in-store Supervisor, is no stranger to retail work. She shares why she decided to leave her previous retail job t

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/13/2025
Summary
Join us on stand F24 at 100% Optical - 1 to 3 March 2025Find out about the difference we’re making to people’s lives and where a career with Specsavers could take you. Our world-class CPD sessions are

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/07/2025
Summary
To be an apprentice you don’t need to be fresh out of education. And for Retail Partner, Jason North, he’s living proof that being a Partner isn’t the ceiling of his career journey. Becoming an Appren
Selected jobs for you
Salary
Up to £30,000
Location
Richmond, Greater London, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Administration roles
Locations
Richmond
Description
So you’re an organisation expert wanting to take your career to the next level? Our Clinical Co-ordinator role could be perfect for you. As a Clinical Co-ordinator at Specsavers, you’ll be a key part
Reference
sf-81120-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Aiden Gerry
Author
Aiden GerrySalary
Up to £12.21 (Age Dependent)
Location
Walton on Thames, South East, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Administration roles
Locations
Walton on Thames
Description
Customer Service / Admin Assistant - Walton on Thames Hearcare Our Store Based in Walton On Thames, we are looking to welcome an administrative assistant to our Audiology team!What's on offer? Hours:
Reference
sf-81114-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Aiden Gerry
Author
Aiden GerrySalary
£7.55 per hour
Location
Honiton, South West & Channel Islands, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Fixed Term
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Locations
Honiton
Description
Optical Assistant ApprenticeshipHoniton Fantastic benefits, progression and development supported, store discounts plus more! So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering
Reference
sf-80565-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Nichola Adamson
Author
Nichola Adamson