
“Specsavers is part of who I am today.”
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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 bills. He wanted something that offered growth and fulfilment.
Taking a chance
One day, while walking down Darley Street in Bradford,
Petru saw a window ad for optical assistants at Specsavers. Even though his
English was limited- he'd moved to the UK from Romania in 2008 and mostly worked
with Romanians-he decided to give it a shot.
The interview
"Petru remembers, 'I went for the initial interview
with then-director Peter Rooke. After a second interview, Peter told me he
loves my passion but thinks improving my accent and English skills could really
help with customer interactions. I told him, 'Give me three months to work
on it, and if you're not happy with my progress, I'll step down.''"
A promising start
Petru got the job and, within three months, received a pay rise and a permanent position. He loved every minute of the job and was always excited about learning something new. This enthusiasm led him to approach his directors, Peter Rooke and Mike Dearlove, about enrolling in the day release Dispensing Optician (DO) course.
Academic pursuits
In 2015, Petru started the DO course at Bradford College, graduating in 2018 with distinction—all while working full-time and welcoming a second child. Towards the end of the course, there was a pivotal moment. One day at work, a patient he had previously helped was upset in the waiting area. She had been diagnosed with a retinal detachment and needed to go to A&E immediately. Despite her distress, she couldn't stop praising the optometrist, Helen, for her calm and informative approach.
A defining moment
Petru says, "That moment made me want to provide my patients with the same assurance and play a significant role in their lives. I made a mental note that if there was ever a chance for me to become an optometrist, I would grab it with both hands."
Career progression
In 2019, after a few messages on LinkedIn and a face-to-face meeting with Dominic Doran, a former Regional Relationship Manager and now Retail Director at Specsavers Keighley, Petru was offered support to pursue his career progression with Bradford University to become an optometrist. He started the course in 2021, graduated with First Class honours in August 2022, and completed his Pre-Reg in February 2024.
Gratitude and ambition
"Specsavers is part of who I am today, and for this, I am forever grateful to the business and the people involved in my growth," Petru reflects. "This experience has inspired me to become one of the amazing Specsavers directors, just like those who believed in and trusted me. I want to play a pivotal role in the lives of our patients, community, and employees."
Looking ahead
Petru is now being supported to become a Specsavers business owner and is motivated to keep growing and learning. He looks forward to helping his community and inspiring future eye care professionals.
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