“Specsavers is part of who I am today.”
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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.
Your new career starts here.
Take a closer look at the different teams you could work alongside and explore different routes you could take in your future career.
Learn more
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
24/09/2026
Summary
When Lydia started exploring relocation opportunities, she was thinking about the life she wanted in the long term. After building her career in London, she made the move to Barrow-in-Furness in searc
Teaser
Early careersContent Type
BlogPublish date
23/09/2026
Summary
10 years ago, Senior Optometrist Hamza Mussa, was a university student looking for the right place to complete his training year. Today, he's helping future optometrists start their own careers throug
Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
22/09/2026
Summary
When Adam Tugnutt relocated from Brighton to Liverpool, he wasn't sure whether he'd stay in optics. After more than five years as an optical assistant in a Specsavers store, he was ready for a change
Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
21/09/2026
Summary
In 2026, most businesses have broad sustainability targets. While this is a huge step in the right direction, targets are no longer a differentiator; they are the norm. What matters more is making sur
by
Sam Reed
Teaser
DispensingContent Type
BlogPublish date
14/09/2026
Summary
As a Dispensing Optician and Contact Lens Optician at Specsavers Newport, helping people see their best is what motivates Anni Waldorf every day. After 18 years in optics and four years with Specsaver
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/09/2026
Summary
When Emily Head started working in an optical practice at 16, she knew she wanted a clinical career, but one that would allow her to develop quickly, learn on the job and make a difference to people's
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/09/2026
Summary
After 37 years as a dispensing optician, Tony Caffrey still loves helping people see clearly and feel confident in their glasses. As a partner at Specsavers Dundee, he's cared for generations of famil
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/09/2026
Summary
Dan Green's Specsavers journey started with a temporary contract handing out free sight test leaflets. Today, he's Head of Dispensing Development, helping others build successful careers in optics. Wh
Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/09/2026
Summary
When Angela Dawson joined Specsavers as an optical assistant at 18, she didn't expect it to become a 32-year career. Just two weeks after joining, she was offered the opportunity to train as a dispens
Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/09/2026
Summary
From forensic psychology to payroll senior When Lucy graduated from university with a degree in Forensic Psychology in 2021, she never imagined she'd end up building a career
Selected jobs for you
Salary
Competitive
Location
Porthcawl, Wales
Store ID
1958
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Location
Porthcawl
Description
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 with some previous optical experience r
Reference
sf-94994-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£8.20ph - £12.91ph
Location
Porthcawl, Wales
Store ID
1958
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Trainee Optical Assistant
Location
Porthcawl
Description
Are you a caring individual looking to start your career as an Optical Assistant? You’ve come to the right place. We aren’t looking for people with years of experience and heaps of qualifications, ju
Reference
sf-94993-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£8.20ph
Location
Whitchurch, West Midlands
Store ID
2457
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Whitchurch
Description
Are you a caring individual looking to start your career in an Optics environment? You’ve come to the right place. As well as being passionate and motivated in everything you do, it’s important tha
Reference
sf-94992-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001