
Make a difference as a Dispensing Optician at Specsavers
Sign Up For Post Alerts
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 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.”
Ready to join us?
When you come on board, we’ll help you expand your knowledge with professional certifications in areas like low vision and paediatric eye care. Our friendly and supportive environment encourages both personal and professional growth, and you can even explore our unique business ownership opportunities.
We're one of the world's best workplaces – come find out why!
Learn moreTags
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/29/2025
Summary
Celebrating National Payroll WeekPayroll might happen behind the scenes, but it’s at the heart of every organisation. Our Payroll Services team is a mix of problem-solvers, people champions, and proce
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Rachel Pointon’s career in optometry has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. From hospital clinics to high-performing stores, from mentoring pre-regs to influencin

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/27/2025
Summary
Hi, I’m Alan 👋 I grew up on the southside of Glasgow and I’m currently the Lead Optometrist at Specsavers in Sauchiehall Street. How did I get here? To be honest, I was never entirely sure that op
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story After years in the legal profession, Hannan Qureshi has made a bold career switch to follow his passion - becoming the new Retail Director at Specsavers Shep

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
“I’ve found my place here.” Meet Daniel – Optometrist, Specsavers Home Visits Manchester Daniel Morgans didn’t follow the usual path into optometry. His early career included everything from call cent

Teaser
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/22/2025
Summary
A career shaped by experience- and instinct When Saraneeya Sivathas joined Specsavers as an Optical Assistant during her BioMed degree, she had no idea that a part-time job would spark a whole new car

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/18/2025
Summary
"Home visits is refreshing, it’s fulfilling, and I wouldn’t go back.” Meet EllaElla Helliwell lives in a quiet village in Cheshire with her husband and their cat, Rosie. After moving away for universi

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/15/2025
Summary
Parth Shah, Lead Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC), qualified as an optometrist at Specsavers in 2003. Since then, his journey has taken him from the clinic to the classroom, the boardroom, and ev

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/28/2025
Summary
A career begins with a life-changing moment When Mahnoor Khan joined Specsavers Norton as a pre-reg optometrist, she never imagined her clinical training would be put to the test in such a personal an

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/25/2025
Summary
When Deepali Modha first qualified as an Optometrist, she never imagined her career would one day take her far beyond the test room. But over the years, she’s carved out a path that’s as inspiri
Selected jobs for you
Salary
Competitive
Location
West Ealing, Greater London, United Kingdom
Store ID
0295
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optometrist
Locations
West Ealing
Description
OptometristAre you an ambitious optometrist looking to keep your career moving as part of our well-established team? You’ve come to the right place.Our West Ealing and Ealing stores hosts 4 and 5 full
Reference
sf-85002-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
George Coleing
Author
George ColeingSalary
From £12.41 per hour minimum
Location
Bitterne, South, United Kingdom
Store ID
1814
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant
Locations
Bitterne
Description
Experienced Optical AssistantSpecsavers Bitterne, HampshireSpecsavers. A household name and a Highstreet staple. And you could be part of the team. So, you’re a proactive people person ready to be th
Reference
sf-85001-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Nichola Adamson
Author
Nichola AdamsonSalary
Starting salary of £7.75 per hour
Location
Bitterne, South, United Kingdom
Store ID
1814
Contract Duration
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Locations
Bitterne
Description
Optical Assistant ApprenticeshipBitterne, Hampshire Fantastic benefits - birthday day off, dental and medical, in store discounts plus more! Busy store with chance to progressSo, you’re a proactive p
Reference
sf-85000-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Nichola Adamson
Author
Nichola Adamson