From Spain to Republic of Ireland: Danna's story

When Danna Garcia Reyes first began her studies in optometry in Barcelona, she wasn’t sure where the path would lead. Like a lot of students, she chose her degree with curiosity and a want to help others - but it wasn’t until she started working with patients that she discovered her passion. 

Today, Danna is halfway through her Period of Adaptation and working as an optometrist with Specsavers in the Republic of Ireland - a key step that will allow her to register as an optometrist using her Spanish qualification. 

What is a Period of Adaptation? 

In Ireland, the Period of Adaptation (POA) is a supervised practice period for individuals with international qualifications in health or social care professions. Overseen by a registered and qualified professional, it helps bridge any gaps between their training and the standards required for registration with CORU, Ireland’s regulatory body. The POA may also include academic training, ensuring that professionals are fully prepared to practice in Ireland. 

Danna’s move from Spain to Ireland hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but it’s helped her grow both professionally and personally. We caught up with her to hear about her journey- and why she believes Ireland could be a great opportunity for other international optometrists too. 

From Mallorca to Barcelona—and a career in optometry 

“Before I started university, I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do,” says Danna, who grew up in Mallorca. “But I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and help people- and optometry just felt right. It plays such a big role in people’s everyday lives.” 

She went on to study in Barcelona, where she built a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient care. After graduating, she worked in a high street optician and later moved to a specialist ophthalmic clinic. But something was missing. 

“I started to feel like I wasn’t using everything I’d learned,” she explains. “In Spain, optometrists can sometimes feel quite limited in what they’re allowed to do. I wanted more- more responsibility, more growth, and more chances to challenge myself.” 

Why Ireland? 

Danna started exploring options outside of Spain and came across Specsavers’ international recruitment programme. The idea of working in Ireland appealed - not just for the professional development, but for the lifestyle too.  
In early 2024, while waiting for her CORU application to be processed, Danna made the move to Ireland and joined Specsavers as an optical assistant. Thanks to her EU citizenship, she was able to live and work in Ireland without visa restrictions- something that can be a barrier for professionals from outside the EU. 

“Ireland seemed like a beautiful place to live, and I’d heard great things about the people and the culture,” she says. “But more than that, I saw that Specsavers offered real support for international optometrists. That made a big difference.” 

Interestingly, the salary she earned as an optical assistant in Ireland was comparable to what she had earned as a fully qualified optometrist in Spain - highlighting the potential for both professional and financial growth. Still, the process wasn’t without its challenges. “There were moments when I felt lost,” she recalls. “The paperwork, the registration process – it was all in a different language, and sometimes I didn’t know where I stood. I wasn’t sure if I was doing things right.” 

Despite the uncertainty, she persevered- receiving occasional updates from CORU to reassure her that her application was being processed. 

A career with room to grow 

Now, halfway through her Period of Adaptation, Danna is excited for the future. She’s part of a close-knit team, working in a busy store where she sees a wide range of patients and conditions. It’s opened her eyes (pardon the pun) to what lies ahead once she completes her POA and becomes a registered optometrist in Ireland. 

One of the things that surprised Danna most about working in Ireland was the scope of practice. 

“In Spain, there are more restrictions on what optometrists can do. But here, I feel like I’m really using my full skill set. I’m learning all the time, and I’m trusted to make clinical decisions.” 

Advice for other international optometrists 

For anyone considering a move to Ireland, Danna has some honest advice: “Be prepared for the process- it can take time, and there will be moments when it feels overwhelming. But don’t give up. Ask questions, reach out for help, and trust that it’s worth it.” 

She also encourages optometrists to do their research and connect with others who’ve made the move. 

Looking ahead 

Now that she’s found her feet, Danna is excited about the future. “I feel like I’ve found a place where I can grow- not just as an optometrist, but as a person. I’m learning every day, and I’m part of a team that really cares.” And while she’s proud of how far she’s come, she’s also passionate about helping others do the same. “There are so many talented optometrists in Spain and other countries who want to do more. I want them to know that it’s possible- and that there’s a place for them here.”