Being the first to pass is just the cherry on top!

Richard Hodgson, Optical Assistant, is the first Apprentice Domiciliary Optical Assistant to complete his apprenticeship – with distinction, too. He tells us why he had his sights set on the home-visits team and how his qualification has helped him achieve the role he really wanted.

Life before my apprenticeship

Prior to working at Specsavers, I was working in the world of glass. Not optical glasses, mind - glass such as double-glazing, doors, windows, etc. I worked mostly in the office doing admin but helped with deliveries in the factory from time-to-time as well. My sister-in-law was working for Specsavers in one of the domiciliary (home-visits) teams and always spoke so positively and passionately about her work and her colleagues. It sounded great, and the thought of being out and about on the road visiting patients and delivering care really appealed to me. After 10 years in my role, I was ready for a change. I was grateful to have found, and successfully land, a role in the Specsavers domiciliary team as an administrator. In the office, I was scheduling eye tests, arranging fittings, organising clinics, and speaking to customers. It felt good being part of the domiciliary team, but I knew I still wanted to be the one to be out on the road visiting customers in their homes.

I was given a chance

I was open and honest about what I really wanted to do. I’m a very chatty, friendly, curious person, so being able to go out to see people within their own homes and provide them with an excellent eyecare service was something I felt passionately about. When the apprenticeship opportunity for a Domiciliary Optical Assistant came up, it was my director who brought the apprenticeship opportunity to me. This was my chance to upskill and gain the necessary qualification I needed to be a Domi Optical Assistant. I had some reservations, like “I’m 45, can I really be an apprentice now?”, and “is this the right opportunity for me?”. But I took the plunge, and I’ve honestly never looked back.

Support from colleagues, management, and coaches

I continued my role in admin but was given ample time each week to carry out my studies. Taking time out could be tricky at times, especially during busy periods when people were absent. But I was always provided with enough time and space to be able to study in the office, so I never went without. My director, line manager, and colleagues were all incredible with the support, help, and guidance they gave me throughout. I also had two fantastic apprenticeship coaches who showed me patience, direction, and encouragement – they were imperative to my success in completing my apprenticeship.

Enhanced learning opportunities

There were some fantastic learning resources available, such as digital learning modules and live-chat classrooms. Thinking about it now, if I could go back and change one thing, it’d be to take part in the live-chat classrooms much sooner – they were incredibly helpful for my learning. I also had some shadowing opportunities with experienced Domiciliary Optical Assistants, but this could sometimes be tricky as it’s in a residential setting and not within a store. I really enjoyed the hands-on practical experience I was given. And was grateful that someone would always be with me to make sure things were done correctly. Not just for my learning, but for the customers too, meaning they were getting the best possible care.

I got a distinction!

I recently completed my apprenticeship and achieved a distinction – I’m so proud of this, and it feels great to have gained a recognised qualification that now allows me to carry out the work of an Optical Assistant within communities and homes. How does it feel to be the first to complete this apprenticeship? It’s the cherry on top. I didn’t set out to be the ‘first’ for anything. But it feels pretty good to be a trailblazer!

What’s next?

It's common for people to complete one qualification and rush into the next. And at Specsavers there are so many routes you can go down to further your career. But honestly? I’m happy doing what I’m doing. A Domi Optical Assistant is what I set out to be, and I want the chance to enjoy doing the role for a while longer yet.

Hitting the road, travelling round, meeting new customers – it’s what makes me happy. It’s lovely to see people in their comfort zone within their own home and be able to have a good chat with them. We could be the only people they see that day. Our customers vary – they could be older people, suffering from mental health issues, or have physical disabilities that affects their ability to make it into a store for their eye test. I always get a warm glow when I leave their home, knowing I was able to give them eye care whereas they wouldn’t normally be able to access to it. They’re always so appreciative and grateful, and it makes me feel fulfilled.

Any words of advice?

I was 42 when I decided to take up gymnastics. Will I ever be in the Olympics? No. Do I enjoy it? Yes. Can I do a somersault? Absolutely! I was 45 when I started my apprenticeship – I’m living proof that these things have no age. Similarly to gymnastics, you just have to keep at it. Keep going, keep learning, keep building your confidence and you will land on your feet.