"I wanted something bigger": Anna-Marie's story

Born and raised in England, Anna-Marie moved to Northern Ireland at 18, unsure of her career path. She dabbled in painting and art, but it wasn’t until she took a receptionist role at an independent optician that she found her true calling.

“I had no idea what I was going to do with my life,” Anna-Marie recalls. “I started as a receptionist and fell in love with the world of optics. I never thought I’d be passionate about eyeballs, but here I am!”

From Receptionist to Dispensing Optician

She went on to complete an Optical Assistant course through ABDO and, with the support of her employer, moved onto the next step and started her DO qualification. “I had to keep asking my employer to let me do it, until finally did. They even kindly funded my three-year degree,” she says.

In September 2024, Anna-Marie joined Specsavers, seeking more progression and excitement. “I knew I wanted something bigger and more exciting. Specsavers offered that opportunity for growth and development,” she explains.

A supportive and dynamic environment

 “The team at Specsavers was very welcoming and focused on progression. They are all about patient-centred care, which I love,” she says. Anna-Marie quickly enrolled in a paediatric eye care course, which she completed recently.
“The support at Specsavers is incredible. I feel valued and respected here, more than I ever have. Everyone is eager to learn and do their best, and that’s very motivating,” she adds.

Making a difference every day

As a DO, Anna-Marie enjoys being the go-to person for problem-solving and training. “I love that I can help my colleagues with their questions and training. It’s very rewarding to know that I’m making a difference and helping the next generation of DOs,” she says.

Anna-Marie also appreciates the variety and excitement that comes with her role at Specsavers. “Every day is different. You see so many interesting cases and get to work with amazing technology. It’s never boring,” she notes.

Looking ahead

Anna-Marie is not one to rest on her laurels. She’s already thinking about her next steps. “I’m quite hungry for more. I’ve thought about becoming an examiner or tutor for ABDO, and I’d love to have another article published in Dispensing Optics,” she says.

Her advice to anyone considering a career at Specsavers? “If you’ve been thinking about it, just do it. I wish someone had told me that sooner. It’s the best move I’ve made.”

Join us at Specsavers

We’re all about opportunity. No matter where in the business you join us, there’s no limit to what you could do. With us, you can grow your own knowledge through higher qualifications, take on a mentoring role, or even end up owning your own business as a partner. Join us and feel the freedom of knowing you have all the options.