“If I can do it, anyone can”: Sayuri’s story

Sayuri isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. After qualifying as an optometrist in South Africa in 2007, she quickly built a thriving career, owning and growing six franchise stores over the years. But by 2022, she was at a turning point. 

“With the way things were going back home, no electricity, water shortages, safety concerns I asked myself, ‘What does the future look like if I stay here?’ That’s when I started considering a move to the UK.” she says. 

It wasn’t a decision she made lightly. Sayuri had dreamed of working in the UK- her father studied optometry there, and the profession runs in the family. But relocating with her husband and two young children meant finding the right support. That’s where Specsavers came in. 

Why Specsavers felt like the right fit 

“I had offers from other companies, but the culture at Specsavers resonated with me,” she explains. “It reminded me of what I’d built back home, putting patients first, treating them like family. That stuck with me.” 

So, Sayuri began her UK journey with Specsavers, who sponsored visas for her whole family. Despite having 16 years of experience in South Africa, she had to complete a pre-registration year in 2023 to transfer her qualification training and adapt new clinical techniques. 

“It was tough,” she admits. “I had to go back to being a student and relearn things like Volk and GAT, which is of limited use in South Africa but it was great to expand my knowledge and learning.” 

Back on the path to ownership 

Once qualified, she didn't waste any time setting her sights on business ownership once again. Sayuri joined, and recently completed, the Specsavers Pathway programme, which is structured to prepare people for future business ownership. 

“I knew from the start I wanted to own a store here,” she says. “I didn’t want to wait. I shadowed other stores, learned what worked, and brought those ideas back to Kingston.” 

“Pathway was challenging, but equally rewarding,” Sayuri says. "I studied every morning at 5am, relearning financials, HR, UK laws…everything. But I passed first time, and that’s one of my proudest achievements.” 

Her hard work didn't stop there. “Pathway isn’t the finish line for me, it’s the starting point. Business ownership is a challenge, but Specsavers makes sure you’re ready.” 

Bringing clinical expertise across continents 

Clinically, Sayuri found the transition smoother than expected. Most practices overlapped with her experience in South Africa, and the differences- like access to OCT, only enhanced her ability to care for patients. 

She recalls one moment that brought everything into perspective. “A patient had been turned away by his GP and thanks to our technology, during my examination I identified a brain tumour and referred him to hospital immediately. They operated immediately. That moment reminded me why I do this.” 

For Sayuri, moving to the UK wasn’t just about growing her career - it was about staying true to her purpose. Back in South Africa, she ran a non-profit that gave glasses to kids who needed them. She had to pause it when she moved, but once she has her business up and running here, she’s hoping to get it going again.  

“I want to build a culture where every staff member feels empowered,” she says. “Leadership isn’t just about the store or the brands values; it’s about the person too.” 

Advice for others thinking about the move 

“Take the first step. Believe in yourself. Be ready to work hard, especially during pre-reg. Specsavers will support you every step of the way. If I can do it, anyone can.”