Balancing family and ambition: Astra’s Story

Astra wanted a job that worked around her family. She found a career instead. 

When Astra Wright walked into Specsavers Ripley five years ago, she wasn’t thinking about optics. “Honestly, I just wanted a job that worked around my kids,” she says. “I’d been in hospitality for years, and the hours were long and late. I was never home.” 

Specsavers offered something different: family-friendly hours and a role where Astra could still do what she loved- helping people. “I thought it would be customer service led,” she laughs. “Turns out, there’s a lot more to it. And I’ve loved learning every step of the way.” 

Starting out in uncertain times 

Astra joined as an Optical Assistant in January 2020. Twelve weeks later, the pandemic hit. “I’d just got my feet under the table when we were furloughed,” she remembers. “It was a shaky start, but I knew I wanted more than just a job.” 

During her interview, Astra told Verity, one of the store directors, that she wanted a career with room to grow. “She said, ‘If that’s what you want, we can make it happen.’ And they did.” 

Learning and growing 

Specsavers supported Astra through Cert 3 and Cert 4 qualifications (which are more advanced dispensing qualifications that Specsavers offers) then onto the Dispensing Optician (DO) pathway. “I loved the learning side,” Astra says. “Once I finished Cert 4, Verity suggested the next step- becoming a DO. It was a big commitment, but I went for it.” 

Training was a mix of in-store learning, online classes, and practical sessions at the ABDO college in Kent. “Specsavers covered everything- financially and with support. I couldn’t have done it without them.” 

Balancing career and family 

Studying while working full-time and raising two kids wasn’t easy. “There were nights I was exhausted,” Astra admits. “I’d finish work, do the school run, make tea, get the kids to bed, then start assignments. I even worked on my laptop during their Taekwondo classes! But I kept going because I wanted this.” 

Her determination paid off. “I never thought I’d achieve a Level 6 qualification after having my daughter at 19. Doing this with two kids- it’s my proudest achievement.” 

Life as a newly qualified Dispensing Optician 

Now fully qualified, and a DO Manager, Astra loves the problem-solving side of her role. “Sometimes a simple adjustment makes a huge difference to a patient. Seeing their reaction- that’s the best part.” 

The transition hasn’t been without challenges. “Going from being supervised to working independently is daunting,” she says. “But the support from my team has been amazing. We’re a close-knit group- always helping each other out.” 

Why Specsavers? 

 “Work-life balance. I can have a career and still be the mum I want to be. If there’s a school event, we just let management know and they always try and accommodate. That flexibility means everything.” 

And the future? “I’m taking a year to breathe,” she smiles. “But I know there are options- contact lenses, paediatrics, low vision. Specsavers makes those conversations possible.”