Make a difference as a Dispensing Optician at Specsavers

Rachel Clarke was seven years old when she decided she wanted to be an optician. Why? Because her ultimate hero, her daddy, who knew the answers to every question she ever asked, didn’t know how her glasses worked. That was it – the moment she decided her future career.  

At 16 years old, she went to work in her local opticians and, having never left the sector, she’s now heading into her 33rd year of practice as a Dispensing Optician. Rachel worked for another multiple optician for 18 years, there was a change to the way things were run there she was ready to move on. Having spotted a Specsavers being built around the corner from her home, she applied for a new job. They had already filled the Dispensing Optician role, but they were open to her joining the team due to her extensive experience and enthusiasm – and she’s still there now, nine years later, at Specsavers Llanishen, in the very same building.  

Putting the patient first 

“The patient is always the most important thing when it comes to doing my job,” says Rachel. “I needed to work somewhere where the business aligned with me on that. I wanted to spend more time with patients – and find the solution that works best for them, not necessarily the most expensive solution.”  

Rachel enjoys working at Specsavers because she’s trusted to work in a way that benefits the team and the individual patients. “I’ve got an exceptionally good working relationship with the Optometrists. I can bounce things off them when I’m stuck and likewise, they will come to me and ask questions too.” 

That goes for the wider team as well. Rachel’s branch is part of a larger cluster, with Dispensing Opticians and Optometrists who work at different stores. “You need a good rapport with your team – and it doesn’t matter if you’re answering the phones or you’re treating the most complicated patients, you’re all part of one team. We all work together at Specsavers.” 

Feeling recognised and rewarded  

Day-to-day colleagues are encouraged to recognise the work of others. “You’re not just a number here, you’re part of a team and you’re recognised as a human being who helps people,” says Rachel. There is a “shelf of praise”, so if you’ve done a great job, you can choose something as a reward, plus employees have customer recognition through a feedback form too. Then there’s the Doug and Mary award, named after the legendary Specsavers founders Mary and Doug Perkins. This award is given to employees who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to clinical care. Rachel was awarded the Dispensing Optician award in November 2024. 

“I was absolutely stunned into silence when I heard I’d won,” says Rachel. “It’s a phenomenal achievement. I went up to Birmingham for the award ceremony and there was a meal with Doug and Mary the night before and a beautiful hotel stay. It was really lovely, and my husband was able to join me to see me given the award. It means so much.” 

Looking to the future 

Throughout her Dispensing Optician career, Rachel has continued to learn and grow. She regularly hosts training sessions to impart her valuable knowledge to the rest of her team and she tailors the sessions so that her colleagues aren’t just listening to her but interacting and really understanding what they are learning about. “I want them to question me, because that means they’ve processed it. It’s a far better way of learning. And there are different levels of learning needs, so I’ll do different things with different people. Some learn better  one to one, and others visually,” explains Rachel. “The main thing is the sessions have to be fun!” 

Rachel’s advice to anyone considering a career at Specsavers? “Go for it. If it’s something you’re interested in, let us help you – let’s get you to the best you can physically be. If you need training, you’ve got the option. There’s always an option at Specsavers.”