
My Journey from South Africa to the UK: An Audiologist's Perspective
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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 locations. In the mornings, I was at a school for people with additional needs, conducting brain tests and obtaining hearing results for children with autism or cerebral palsy. In the afternoons, I worked at a private practice, seeing elderly patients for hearing aids. On weekends, I performed newborn hearing tests and collaborated with ENT specialists in a hospital. I wanted to explore various facets of audiology to find my niche, which led me to this diverse range of roles.
Thinking about the move
The decision to move to the UK was driven by my desire for career progression. In South Africa, career advancement can be slow, often requiring someone to retire or leave before new opportunities arise. A colleague who had moved to the UK told me about her positive experience with Specsavers, which planted the seed for my own move. I connected with Dylan from Specsavers on LinkedIn, and his encouragement and support made me seriously consider relocating. He assured me that my skills and knowledge would be valued and utilised in the UK, which was a significant factor in my decision.
Support from Specsavers
Dylan was instrumental in my transition to the UK. Unlike other international companies that hound you, Dylan provided a human touch to the recruitment process. He was always available to answer my questions, no matter how trivial they seemed. From salary expectations to housing advice, Dylan helped with everything. His support didn't end once I arrived in the UK; he continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. The directors at my store were also incredibly understanding, allowing me time to settle in before starting work.
Life at Specsavers
Working at Specsavers has been such a rewarding experience. I started in February 2023, and by July, I had become a Clinical Lead. The role was something I worked towards, learning the ins and outs of the NHS processes and the different governing bodies for Audiologists in the UK. The support from my team and the opportunities for professional development have been fantastic. I've also completed the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) course, which has added to my skill set and prepared me for future leadership roles.
What the future holds
Looking ahead, my goal is to become a partner at Specsavers. Owning my own business really appeals to me because it offers a form of independence and the opportunity to create a positive work environment for other clinicians. I want to ensure that my team feels heard and valued, which in turn will lead to happier patients.
To anyone else considering the move
To Audiologists in South Africa, if you're looking for a new challenge and want to apply your expertise in a different part of the world, consider moving to the UK. The opportunities here are immense, and you'll be supported every step of the way. Working in the UK allows you to meet people from all walks of life and learn about different cultures. The job itself is fulfilling, and you won't have to constantly fight for resources. If you're ready for a change and want to make a real difference, Specsavers in the UK could be the perfect place for you.
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
DispensingContent Type
BlogPublish 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
DispensingContent Type
BlogPublish 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
DispensingContent Type
BlogPublish 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
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
International CareersContent Type
BlogPublish 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
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish 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
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish 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
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
ApprenticeshipsContent Type
BlogPublish 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
AudiologyContent Type
BlogPublish date
03/11/2025
Summary
Mark Devlin may have started his career working in store at Specsavers as “a stepping stone” but 10 years later he’s Audiology Home Visits Director and Partner. He tells us why he’s got the best work
by
Mike Davidson
Selected jobs for you
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

Author
Amy Hill
Author
Amy HillSalary
£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

Author
Alicia Downingkeat
Author
Alicia DowningkeatSalary
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

Author
Alicia Downingkeat
Author
Alicia Downingkeat