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

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.