No optical experience? No problem...

Many people think you need to know about eye or hearing care to have a retail career at Specsavers. As Natalie Neal from Leicestershire shares, you need nothing more than excellent customer service and a willingness to learn. 

When Natalie was in sixth form, she still wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. “While I’d always done well at school, I wasn’t interested in going to university,” she remembers. “So, I got a job working for a well-known pizza delivery company. 

“It wasn’t long before I worked my way up to store manager. The next step would’ve been a role within the head office in Milton Keynes. But that meant moving away from Coalville, my hometown, which I didn’t want to do. 

“That’s when I decided to enrol nearby at Brooksby Melton College, which provides specialist education related to farming. I studied animal care, during which I also worked part-time at a popular fast-food chain. 

“At the end of my two-year course, I had the option to train as a veterinary nurse. But this required more study at more cost. On top of that, there weren't a lot of local job opportunities. 

Another crossroads in my life 

"Then I saw an advert on Indeed for an optical assistant at the Specsavers store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. I was interested because I was after a respected profession that involved caring for others. However, other than wearing glasses, I didn’t know anything about the industry. But, as the ad said, ‘no optical experience necessary’, I thought I’d apply.  

“I ended up getting the job based on my customer service experience and the fact I’d been a store manager. I felt at home from day one. Although I got a lot of support from colleagues, I was still unsure about what I was doing on the shop floor.  

“That changed after a few weeks when I travelled to Birmingham for a course. I learnt a lot from the two days I spent there. Plus, I met other people in a similar position, which was very reassuring. I went on a second course in Nottingham, which gave me even more confidence in what I was doing to make sure customers get the best experience possible.  

On the right track

“I’m now a supervisor. The transition wasn’t too difficult as I’d been a manager before. I also have another role as a technician in our on-site laboratory. And I’ve recently completed a BTEC qualification that was paid for by the store partners.  

“I’ve been here for six and a half years now. It’s the longest I’ve worked in one place, and I love it. Everyone in the team clicks and looks out for each other. The store partners are fantastic as well and always make me feel valued.  

“When you spend so much time at work, you need to get on with colleagues. I know some people say it doesn’t matter to them, but it’s important to me.  

“Looking ahead, I’m not exactly sure where I want to go next. I like learning about the production of glasses. I could pursue that further and focus more on working in the lab.   

“Or I could develop my customer skills and work towards becoming an optician, where I can provide advice on eyewear, and help with fitting and repairing spectacles. Whatever I choose to do, I definitely want to do it with Specsavers.”