From Bolton to Bristol - How Jumanah got her career moving

Jumanah's journey with Specsavers is all about finding the right support and making the most of new opportunities. Despite a bumpy start, she flourished with the help of her amazing team and her own determination. Her story is one of personal growth, professional development, and making a difference in her patients' lives. Here, we find out how Jumanah turned things around and set herself up for a bright future.

A rocky start led to a new beginning

“After a rocky start to my pre-reg, I reached out to Specsavers and was supported to move from home, down to Cornwall. I had amazing support with the relocation and within 6 months of getting an assessor, I'd passed my pre-reg!” she shares. "That's when I knew I was definitely going to stay with Specsavers. I really liked the team, I liked how everything ran, and I loved the support I got throughout my pre-reg."

Relocating to Bristol

After a year of being qualified, Jumanah decided to move to Bristol because she wanted to be just that bit closer to home. "I was in a great store but wanted to expand my knowledge further as well as move a little bit closer to home. But also, Bristol was a nice area," she explains.

The relocation process was smooth, thanks to the support from Specsavers' recruitment services and her new team. "Monique, my Resourcing Partner, organised a few interviews for me and helped me organise the relocation package. I went and visited the store, and the manager drove me to all three stores that he owned so I could get a good feel for them. It was so helpful in my decision making. My family were really supportive of the move too, because they knew it was something that would help me and my career."

Support and guidance

Throughout both of her relocations with Specsavers, Jumanah received extensive support. From helping her find suitable accommodation to providing guidance on the best areas to live, the support was invaluable. "During both of my moves, I was supported in terms of letting me know which areas were the best fit for me, which areas would be closest to the store, and as well as familiarising me with all the transport routes," she notes. "I actually only live 5 minutes’ from the Bristol store, which is great. I found this place online, so it was easy to set up myself."

Jumanah also appreciated the personal touch from the directors. "When I lived in Cornwall, I lived quite close to my director. So, if I ever did need any help, I knew they’d be on hand. Even outside of work, he was very supportive," she shares. This level of support made her transition smoother and helped her feel more settled in her new location.

Professional development

Jumanah is currently working towards her glaucoma certification and has plans to pursue further qualifications. "Specsavers has made me the optometrist I am today. I feel a lot more confident thanks to and the support I've received," she says.

Making a difference

The most rewarding aspect of her role is making a difference in her patients' lives. She remembers a patient who came in for a routine eye exam, only to discover she her dangerously high blood pressure. "I noticed it right away and had to write an emergency referral for her to go straight to A&E. It turns out that they told her that she could have had a stroke," she says. "That's what I'm here for, to spot those things. I was able to make a big difference in her life."

A bright future

Now settled in Bristol, Jumanah is excited about the future. She enjoys the diversity of the city and the sense of responsibility that comes with her role. "It's a fresh start, and I love the multicultural environment here," she shares. "If I ever did want to travel to London or Manchester, it's only like 3 hours. Plus, I have a cousin who also studies near here, which makes it even better."