
Karishma and her Kentish journey
Sign Up For Post Alerts
Karishma Patel enjoyed her summer placement in our Chatham practice so much, she completed her pre-registration there and is now working at the store full time. She shares why she stayed and how she’s helping the next generation of optometrists.
It was during her second year of optometry at Plymouth University, that Karishma started looking for a placement as an optical assistant. “I got offers from several companies, but I wanted to work for Specsavers as I’d heard good things about them,” she reflects. “I found out the Chatham store in Kent was looking for someone. I decided to visit the team and was really impressed. I realised I could learn a lot from them.
“As I was back home in east London for the summer break, I commuted into work. It wasn’t a problem though, as the journey only takes 45 minutes. I loved working there and just clicked with everyone. So, when they offered me a pre-registration place, I jumped at the chance.
Paying it forward
“After becoming qualified, I went back as a resident optometrist. Part of that decision is the commitment from the store partners to develop people’s clinical skills. I’ve gone on to complete the Minor Eye Conditions qualification and the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina, which they’ve funded. With their support, I want to do the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma next.
“Now, I’m supervising a pre-reg optometrist myself, guiding them through what’s involved and sharing my own experiences. I remember what it was like looking up to my supervisor. I want to be that person for someone else.;
“My plan is to be a store partner one day, which is why I’m getting more involved in management responsibilities. I’ve also enrolled onto the Specsavers Pathway to Partnership programme. Having my own business is a very exciting prospect.
“Recently, a patient I referred for retinal detachment surgery came in to thank me. He said my referral had saved his sight. It really brought home the difference I can make to people’s lives. That’s the biggest motivation in my career.”
Tags
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/09/2025
Summary
Kristi journey from optics to audiology is a reflection of her determination and passion for helping others. Initially working in the Redditch branch of Specsavers, Kristi was intrigued by a career
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
International CareersContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/08/2025
Summary
A new beginning Chidinma Ulu is an Optometrist who relocated to Bristol from Nigeria back in 2021. She’s excited to share her journey, from her education in Nigeria to becoming a fully qualified Optom

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/03/2025
Summary
Katie Marshall, Supervisor in our Wellington store, started out as an Optical Assistant Apprentice. From going through some particularly tough times due to health challenges to flourishing in her care

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/21/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Deveny, and I'm currently working as a Hearing Aid Dispenser and Clinical Lead at Specsavers Bishopsgate in London. Before moving to the UK, I worked in South Africa across three different lo
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/20/2025
Summary
Petru's Pavalasc adventure with Specsavers started in February 2014. He'd just moved from London to Bradford with his wife and their six-month-old baby, looking for more than just a job to pay the bil

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
International CareersContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/11/2025
Summary
Get to know me My name is Kelly, I’m originally from South Africa and I'm currently working at Specsavers Woking as an Audiologist and Clinical Lead. I’d always wanted to work in some kind of clinic
by
Mike Davidson
Selected jobs for you
Salary
€13.50 an hour
Location
Cork, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Retail Assistant
Locations
Cork
Description
So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve ever considered a career in optics, this Trai
Reference
sf-81481-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Andrew Hastings
Author
Andrew HastingsSalary
Upwards of £12.61 an hour (age related)
Location
Oldham, North West, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Retail Manager
Locations
Oldham
Description
Manager in Training Specsavers Oldham Specsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team. An exciting opportunity to develop your career and build your skills with
Reference
sf-81471-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Amy Hill
Author
Amy HillSalary
Upwards of £12.61 an hour (age related)
Location
Oldham, North West, United Kingdom
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Retail Manager
Locations
Oldham
Description
Manager in Training Specsavers Royton Specsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team. An exciting opportunity to develop your career and build your skills with
Reference
sf-81470-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Amy Hill
Author
Amy Hill