Philip Djeagbo’s leap of faith

Philip Djeagbo, an optometrist from Ghana, made the bold move to the UK to advance his career. His journey—from adapting to a new healthcare system to seizing opportunities at Specsavers—offers valuable lessons for those considering a similar path.

Navigating the relocation process

“After graduating in Ghana, I worked as a research and teaching assistant at KNUST. I trained junior colleagues. Although the job was good, it limited my practical clinical experience. Consequently, I realized I needed to enhance my clinical skills to match my theoretical knowledge. After conducting some research and discussing with my brother—who already lived in the UK—I decided to pursue the same path. I worked two jobs to save money and prepare for the costs ahead.”

Guided by Catherine, the International Recruitment Manager at Specsavers, Philip navigated the complexities of moving overseas and transferring his qualification. In 2021, he submitted his documents and completed the GOC assessments. It was subsequently recommended that he complete a two-month adaptation placement. Finding a visa sponsor became the next challenge. With the support of Suraj Shah, a director at Specsavers Norwich, Philip secured a new job at the store and obtained a Tier 2 visa.

Embracing new opportunities

“I arrived in the UK in 2022, ready to embrace a new culture, climate, and opportunities. Thanks to Suraj’s constant support, I completed my pre-registration and adaptation process on time, thereby strengthening my skills. I began my pre-registration in July 2022.

The learning curve was steep, given that the UK’s approach to optometry is more holistic and fast-paced compared to what I was used to in Ghana. However, I viewed this as an opportunity to grow. The equipment was different from what I had previously used, so I spent considerable time watching video tutorials to aid my adaptation. My colleagues and mentors were incredibly supportive throughout. Also, the Specsavers Pre-Registration Academy proved to be a game-changer with its workshops and peer support, which significantly smoothed the learning process." By 2023, Philip had successfully passed his OSCEs and earned his MECS and glaucoma accreditations—significant milestones in his UK career.

A journey worth taking

“As a qualified UK optometrist for almost a year, working at Specsavers Norwich has been a fantastic experience. The fast-paced environment has sharpened my clinical skills, teaching me efficiency and adaptability in patient care. If you're considering a similar move, my advice is to embrace the challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Moving to the UK and joining Specsavers has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both professionally and personally.”