
“If I’m not going to do it now, I never am!” - Kelly's story
Sign Up For Post Alerts
Get to know me
My name is Kelly, I’m originally from South Africa and I'm currently working at Specsavers Woking as an Audiologist and Clinical Lead. I’d always wanted to work in some kind of clinical or medical field. I explored a few options and didn’t know much about audiology to be honest before landing on it - It’s not much of a cute story but here I am and I’m so glad I made the choice I did!
Thinking about relocating to the UK
It was around 3 years after qualifying that I first became aware of Specsavers having opportunities to move to the UK or Ireland. A few of my audiologist friends had moved over already – I think about 3 at that point.
When I was younger I’d never considered moving away to study let alone work. I’m not someone who gets easily scared by things and do really enjoy change, not letting things get stagnant. I told my mum there was this opportunity and just went for it – head first! I ended up moving over to the UK in January 2023.
The process of moving
Getting started, it’s no secret that the process does take some time. There’s a lot of steps to go through, you’ll need registrations and visas for example but there was no rush from my side, nor Specsavers, and for the most part, a lot of parts are out of your control, so you just need to let them unfold.
Specsavers support
In any situation, moving countries is tricky – it’s the unknown. I was grateful to have the support of the International Recruitment team at Specsavers who were on hand to help with any questions I had. They were super quick with replies and feedback so it very reassuring.
My store directors were also super helpful in sorting my accommodation taking another thing off my plate as there’s a lot to think about when you’re moving you know, have I got this with me, have I got that with me so anything off your plate is welcomed.
Why did I make the move?
Getting to learn a new culture, yes, it's similar, but just everything feels new. It's a new challenge. It's a fresh start. You get to travel! I mean, people are going on trips to Europe on the weekend - back home it’s 12 hours to go anywhere.
Helping to feel like home
My experience working as an Audiologist in South Africa was mainly in private practises meaning from a professional perspective there wasn’t much change in the day-to-day of clinics. Another big selling point is that if you are going to consider relocating, I love my country so it’s nice to have a slice of home here - there’s a big South African community. I think that's also what helped me quite a bit because I did come over on my own.
A word to anyone considering
I don’t think before moving I’d truly appreciated the size of Specsavers in the UK. I hadn’t appreciated the scale or the stores, how many businesses are running and then things like PAC (Professional Advancement Conference) where you can go and meet other audiologists from across Specsavers and beyond, and that’s when you realise, yeah, this is big and you can see the impact.
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.
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/25/2025
Summary
When Deepali Modha first qualified as an Optometrist, she never imagined her career would one day take her far beyond the test room. But over the years, she’s carved out a path that’s as inspiri

Teaser
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/23/2025
Summary
When Louise Turton first joined Specsavers in Coventry back in 2011, she wasn’t chasing a dream career - she needed a job. “I’d recently moved to the area and wanted something stable,” she says. “I di
.jpg)
Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/23/2025
Summary
Turning a life-changing diagnosis into a life-changing career Meet Gemma, a brand-new Specsavers Domiciliary Audiology Partner, whose journey from Optical Assistant to qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/21/2025
Summary
When Danna Garcia Reyes first began her studies in optometry in Barcelona, she wasn’t sure where the path would lead. Like a lot of students, she chose her degree with curiosity and a want to help oth

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/10/2025
Summary
Not everyone thrives in a traditional classroom—and Kaydyn Kent is living proof that success doesn’t have to start with a university degree. After a year at college left him uninspired and unsure of
.jpg)
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/09/2025
Summary
From Optical Assistant to Dispensing Optician and now Trainee Contact Lens Optician, Kerry Berridge has spent the last decade building a fulfilling career at Specsavers – all while raising a family an

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/08/2025
Summary
After nearly three decades in optics, Eleanor Hickman knew it was time for a change. But it wasn’t just any change – it was one that would take her out of the test room and into the homes of patients

Teaser
PartnershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/07/2025
Summary
At 16, Charlie-Leigh Martin took a Saturday job at her local Specsavers in Chelmsley Wood. Six years later, she’s running her own store in Alcester as a director. “I was still in sixth form and thinki

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/30/2025
Summary
From college to clinical tech...and beyond Ellie Long, Apprentice Optical Assistant, tells us about her apprenticeship journey so far, and how she went from leaving college to joining Specsavers wi

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/11/2025
Summary
Home is where the hearing is Aekta Patel, Audiology Director, shares her perspective on the value of partnerships in delivering audiology care through home visits. "It’s a tough gig. But it’s wo
Selected jobs for you
Salary
£25,882
Location
Oadby, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
1640
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Oadby
Description
Optical Assistant - OadbyAre 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, hard-workers with some pre
Reference
sf-83663-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Rebecca Hooper
Author
Rebecca HooperSalary
£25,882.32
Location
Ashby De La Zouch, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
1841
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Ashby De La Zouch
Description
Optical Assistant - Ashby De La Zouch Are 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, hard-workers
Reference
sf-83662-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Rebecca Hooper
Author
Rebecca HooperSalary
Up to £65,000
Location
Feltham, Greater London, United Kingdom
Store ID
0544
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optometrist
Locations
Feltham
Description
Specsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team. We’re looking for a hard-working, passionate Optometrist ready to provide our customers with the best eyecare
Reference
sf-83661-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Alex Caluori
Author
Alex Caluori