"It's the level of care we provide" - Pip's audiology journey

Pip’s audiology journey

I started at 15 as a Saturday colleague in the Huddersfield store. I struggled to hear some patients, so one of the audiologists checked my ears and uncovered my own hearing loss. At 18 I chose private hearing aids and it transformed how I felt about work and life. I wanted to help people feel that same lift. I studied audiology at the University of Manchester, kept weekend shifts to stay hands on, and learned that outcomes come from practical skills and a supportive team.

From student to clinician

After graduating, I moved into full time practice in Huddersfield and covered days in Morley. I had been used to long hospital placements, so I kept stretching myself. I began a master’s in hearing therapy at Aston, focusing on complex auditory issues like tinnitus and dizziness. I am in my final year, writing my dissertation. Balancing study and practice keeps me grounded and focused on what helps people day to day.

Stepping up as clinical lead

An audiologist in Morley became a Specsavers Partner and a gap opened up. I stepped in, then later took on the role in Huddersfield when a clinical lead moved on. Extra qualifications helped, but the real change was wanting to support others. I act as a second pair of eyes and ears, help with tricky fittings and software, and handle challenging conversations with patients when needed. I organise quality control and bring in manufacturers for practical training, so the team can troubleshoot confidently and keep care to a consistently high level.

Why Specsavers works for me

It’s the level of care we can provide. Patients do not just see one part of the journey. They see optics and audiology working together, with colleagues who collaborate and share knowledge. Development is encouraged, not forced. I have watched optical assistants move into audiology and step into leadership through training, mentoring and real opportunity. That blend of scale and close teams is what keeps me here.

On the path to ownership

I recently became partner approved and working towards buying into the business. The process is demanding but in the right way. You identify strengths and gaps, act on feedback and learn from people who have run successful Specsavers businesses. The financial side felt daunting at first, but open conversations, independent support and monthly sessions with our regional relationship manager helped me build my confidence and knowledge.

What’s next?

I want to keep building clinical excellence, grow a strong practice and mentor others. I am excited about the future and using my research to really care for people with complex needs. Most of all, I want to lead a team that is kind, curious and ambitious.

Looking for something new?

When you join our audiology teams, you’ll focus on improving quality of life, not making sales. Whether you join us as an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser, we’ll be here to support you with all the training you need. And wherever you begin there’s the opportunity to follow your ambitions, including owning your own business as a partner. Here, you can grow in your own way, surrounded by colleagues who share your belief in better hearing care for everyone.

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