JUMP TO CONTENT

From South Africa to the UK: Bosman’s Story

Mike Davidson our consultant managing the role
Written by Mike Davidson
Posting date: 11 Mar 2025

My role in South Africa

Before moving to the UK, I was living in South Africa, where I grew up and trained to become an audiologist. I completed my degree in audiology at the University of Pretoria and graduated in 2015. In South Africa, we are required to do one year of community service in a state hospital, which I completed successfully.

Following that, I worked for a wholesale company, managing accounts and serving as an in-house audiologist for a company that distributed hearing aids and medical equipment across southern Africa. My experience spanned five years, during which I also gained exposure to the retail chain, working as a clinical audiologist mainly in paediatric audiology.

The process of moving to the UK

The journey to the UK began when I got in touch with Dylan at Specsavers, who connected me with the director of the store where I currently work. The process took some time, but eventually, I made it over in 2022. Initially, I explored opportunities in Ireland, but even thought that didn’t work out, Dylan was incredibly supportive, keeping me informed about available positions and ensuring I was up-to-date with the latest opportunities.

I interviewed with several companies, but Specsavers stood out due to their focus on hiring people based on their character and potential, rather than just their skills. The openness and ease of communication with the HR team, along with the connection I felt with one of the directors who also moved from South Africa, made Specsavers the right choice for me.

Support from Specsavers with relocation

The support I received from Specsavers during the relocation process was exactly what I need. They made it clear from the beginning that they would support me with moving expenses and visa applications through solicitors. The process was lengthy, mainly due to administrative requirements in South Africa, such as obtaining HCPC registration, medical checks, and police clearance. However, Specsavers' patience and understanding made the process more manageable. They also helped me find a place to stay initially, which was crucial as it’s difficult to do without a bank account and help you settle in more easily. The relocation expenses being reimbursed also alleviated some of the stress that comes with such a significant move.

What the future holds

Moving from South Africa to the UK has significantly improved my quality of life. The UK offers a different lifestyle, and if you are open to experiencing new cultures and countries, I highly recommend making the move. The public transport system is excellent, making it easy to commute without the need for a car. Specsavers has been incredibly supportive, and I am now looking forward to applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. I also plan to explore the business ownership opportunities with Specsavers, which would allow me to own shares in the company and have more control over my career. The future looks promising, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead!

Want to learn more?

If you are an internationally qualified audiologist looking relocate to the UK or Ireland on an employed basis then we may have opportunities for you.   In order to work as an Audiologist/Hearing Aid Dispenser in the UK, it is mandatory to be registered with the HCPC. You can find out more about the HCPC registration process here.

To work as an Audiologist/Hearing Aid Dispenser in the Republic of Ireland, it is mandatory to register with the governing body, ISHAA.

Register your interest
Mike Davidson our consultant managing the role
Written by Mike Davidson
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

"I wanted something bigger": Anna-Marie's story

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/02/2025

Summary

Born and raised in England, Anna-Marie moved to Northern Ireland at 18, unsure of her career path. She dabbled in painting and art, but it wasn’t until she took a receptionist role at an independent o

Teaser

Read more
Make a difference as a Dispensing Optician at Specsavers

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2025

Summary

Rachel Clarke was seven years old when she decided she wanted to be an optician. Why? Because her ultimate hero, her dad, who knew the answers to every question she ever asked, didn’t know how her

Teaser

Read more
Personal and professional growth: Amy's story

Teaser

Dispensing

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2025

Summary

Amy Griffiths, a dedicated Dispensing Optician at the Swansea Specsavers store, has a life that revolves around her passion for optics and her energetic collie, Aurora. "My life kind of really centres

Teaser

Read more
From Optics to Audiology: Kristi’s journey

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/09/2025

Summary

Kristi journey from optics to audiology is a reflection of her determination and passion for helping others. Initially working in the Redditch branch of Specsavers, Kristi was intrigued by a career

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Relocating from Nigeria to the UK: Chidinma's story

Teaser

International Careers

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/08/2025

Summary

A new beginning Chidinma Ulu is an Optometrist who relocated to Bristol from Nigeria back in 2021. She’s excited to share her journey, from her education in Nigeria to becoming a fully qualified Optom

Teaser

Read more
From nervous beginner to confident leader: Katie's story

Teaser

Apprenticeships

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/03/2025

Summary

Katie Marshall, Supervisor in our Wellington store, started out as an Optical Assistant Apprentice. From going through some particularly tough times due to health challenges to flourishing in her care

Teaser

Read more
My Journey from South Africa to the UK: An Audiologist's Perspective

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/21/2025

Summary

Hi, I'm Deveny, and I'm currently working as a Hearing Aid Dispenser and Clinical Lead at Specsavers Bishopsgate in London. Before moving to the UK, I worked in South Africa across three different lo

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

“Specsavers is part of who I am today.”

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/20/2025

Summary

Petru's Pavalasc adventure with Specsavers started in February 2014. He'd just moved from London to Bradford with his wife and their six-month-old baby, looking for more than just a job to pay the bil

Teaser

Read more
My experience matters: Why I made the move to Home Visits Audiology Director

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/17/2025

Summary

After 10 years of being an audiologist in a high-street store, Hasan knew he was ready for a change. With a shift in the demographic of people coming into stores and an increase in requests for home

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

From Zoology to Optometry - a journey of discovery

Teaser

Apprenticeships

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/17/2025

Summary

From Zoology to Optometry - a journey of discovery James Roberts recently celebrated a significant milestone in his career journey by achieving a distinction in his Lab Technician Apprenticeship. Addi

Teaser

Read more
View more jobs
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Optical Assistant

Salary

Up to £12.21 per hour

Location

Tamworth, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optical Assistant

Locations

Tamworth

Description

Sunday Optical AssistantSpecsavers Tamworth AnkersideAre you a caring individual looking to continue your career as an Optical Assistant? You’ve come to the right place.   We’re looking for passionate

Reference

sf-81801-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Amy Hill

Author

Amy Hill
Amy Hill

Author

Amy Hill
View job
Optical Assistant

Salary

£10.20 - £12.41 an hour (depending on experience)

Location

Liverpool, North West, United Kingdom

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optical Assistant

Locations

Liverpool

Description

So, you’re a proactive people person ready to be the friendly face our stores need? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve had previous optical experience as an Optical Advisor or Dispen

Reference

sf-81225-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Alicia Downingkeat View job
Weekend Optical Assistant

Salary

Competitive

Location

South Wirral, North West, United Kingdom

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optical Assistant

Locations

South Wirral

Description

So, you’re a proactive people person ready to be the friendly face our stores need? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. So, if you’ve had previous optical experience as an Optical Advisor or Dispen

Reference

sf-80188-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Alicia Downingkeat View job
View more jobs